NFL Rumors: Jaguars to release Julius Thomas

Julius Thomas is reportedly expected to be let go by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Julius Thomas broke out with the Denver Broncos in 2013, racking up 12 touchdowns and 788 yards in a Peyton Manning-led offense. This looked to make Thomas into one of the best young faces at the tight end position.

After the Broncos chose not to re-sign Thomas, he departed for the Jacksonville Jaguars for the 2015 season, signing a multi-year deal. He was thought to become one of the top targets for quarterback Blake Bortles, who has been a work in progress. However, this resulted in Thomas having just 76 catches, barely over 700 yards, and nine touchdowns in just two seasons. He also missed 11 games during this time due to injury.

Well, Thomas’ time in Jacksonville is reportedly coming to an end. ESPN’s Mike DiRocco reported that the Portland State alumnus will not return for the 2017 season. This is due to his $8.7 million cap figure, third-highest on the time, and from what DiRocco says, the team did not miss him in the final games of the season.

Thomas being out of Jacksonville likely means that the Jaguars turn to the draft or free agency for a new target for Bortles, who is coming into a potentially crucial season in his career. It could be a make or break year for him, so the team may look for more weapons to see if he can improve. This will come under new head coach Doug Marrone, who was hired shortly after the playoffs began.

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As for Julius Thomas, he should be able to go elsewhere, potentially on a short-term deal to prove himself. The New York Jets, who were basically without a tight end in 2016, could be an option. The Pittsburgh Steelers may work as well if the team doesn’t feel that Ladarius Green can stay healthy. If it’s not one of these teams, there should still be a suitor out there.