Jaguars make tough decision on TE Julius Thomas

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Free agency is still a month away but on Friday the Jaguars had to make the first of what will be several tough decisions in the weeks to come. According to a league source $3 million of tight end Julius Thomas’ 2017 contract became guaranteed because he was still on the roster by a 4 p.m. deadline. Thomas is scheduled to make $7 million in 2017.

Two seasons ago the Jaguars signed Thomas to a five-year, $46 million contract. After two underwhelming years Thomas’ future in Jacksonville came into question. In 2015 he finished with 46 catches for 455 yards and five touchdowns. Those numbers were even disappointing in 2016 when he caught 30 passes for 281 yards and four scores.

In addition to questions about if the Jaguars offensive scheme was putting Thomas in the right positions, he’s also had an issue with availability. Thomas missed four games in 2015 and seven in 2016.

With over $64 million in cap space, not having enough money to pay Thomas is a non-factor. Since taking over as the Jaguars executive VP of Football Operations, Tom Coughlin hasn’t spoken in depth publicly regarding personnel decisions. With Thomas remaining on the roster, it would be safe to assume that he will be in the Jaguars plans for the 2017 season.