Report: Jaguars to move on from All-Pro DL Marcell Dareus

The Jacksonville Jaguars are adding more salary cap space to their war chest heading into free agency.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Jacksonville has decided to decline the 2020 contract option on two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcell Dareus. This move will save Jacksonville $20 million with a $2.5 million dead cap hit.

The #Jaguars are not expected to pick up the contract option for DT Marcell Dareus, sources say. The option would have guaranteed Dareus nearly $20M, and now frees up cap space and cash for Jacksonville. The deadline to pick it up is tomorrow.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 24, 2020

By virtue of making this decision ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, the Jags are now about $18.5 million under the cap. It’s still not enough room to be viable in free agency, but other moves are expected here soon.

A top-three pick of the Buffalo Bills back in 2011, Dareus was acquired by Jacksonville about midway through the 2017 season. He’s recorded a grand total of five quarterback hits and 2.5 sacks in 30 games with the team.

Dareus’ best season came back in 2014 when he recorded 10 sacks en route to earning All-Pro honors.