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Did Jaguars Make the Right Decision in Cutting Joey Aguilar?
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- Did Jaguars Make the Right Decision in Cutting Joey Aguilar?
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Despite a very impressive preseason showing terrific efficiency, solid decision-making, and flashing significant upside, undrafted rookie quarterback Joey Aguilar did not make the Jacksonville Jaguars' 53-man roster.
The Jaguars are hoping to sign Aguilar to their practice squad if he clears waivers.
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Aguilar created some buzz early in the offseason, but really started to shine during Jacksonville's three preseason games. He began his time in Duval as the underdog to Carter Bradley for the Jags QB3 job. Though that role was always likely to be filled on the practice squad, and not the active roster, Aguilar instantly looked like an intriguing QB prospect for Jacksonville to develop.
However, Aguilar thoroughly outplayed Bradley throughout the preseason. Over the trio of games, the rookie went 17-for-20 for 230 yards and a touchdown without turning the ball over.
Aguilar's strong play made earning a roster spot a real possibility, and whether or not he made the team became one of the Jaguars most interesting storylines on Sunday.
Only 24 hours before rosters were finalized, Jacksonville made waves by trading for backup QB Quinn Ewers from the Miami Dolphins in what was viewed as an upgrade over Nick Mullens , who had the job as Trevor Lawrence 's primary backup.
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Only 23, Ewers gave Jacksonville another young QB with upside to develop along with Aguilar. However, Ewers already has NFL experience, starting three games as a rookie for the Dolphins last year.
Did the trade affect Aguilar's chances at making the cut? Possibly. Even though he only cost a 2028 sixth-round pick to acquire, that still represents a larger investment in Ewers than the team had made with Aguilar.
Was Cutting Aguilar The Right Move?
After Aguilar's performance in the preseason, it looked like he may have played his way onto the roster. He also greatly improved his chance of being claimed by another team if he was put on waivers. The rookie is an excellent QB prospect for the Jaguars to keep on the PS as he develops, but the risk of losing him on waivers had grown significantly.
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However, the addition of Ewers has given Jacksonville a more established young QB for the future. Ewers already has starting experience and was a QB2 all season until the final three games. He is much further along in his development that Aguilar, and having Ewers on the roster makes Aguilar expendable if he were to be claimed.
However, the NFL has dozens of players who turn in standout preseason performances, only to find themselves on the outside looking in after cutdowns. Fanbases can't believe this guy or that guy was cut, and are sure their team will lose the player to another team.
That is rarely the case. Last year, over 1,000 players were cut at the deadline, and only 27 were claimed off waivers. Only one was a quarterback. The odds of Aguilar not making it to Jacksonville's PS are small.
The Jaguars also waived Mullens, who has been replaced by Ewers as QB2. Bradley was also waived.
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That is also a long shot. Aguilar was the much better QB this preseason, despite his lack of experience.
Final Thoughts
Aguilar is an easy player to root for. He has a great backstory . He worked his way up the college ranks and into the NFL after almost giving up on football and becoming a firefighter.
The most likely outcome for Aguilar is that he ends up on Jacksonville's practice squad after clearing waivers. His development under Coach Coen should be fun to watch, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Aguilar finds himself on the active roster in the not-too-distant future.
