On Monday night, the Jacksonville Jaguars made a significant move to clear salary cap space by releasing tight end Johnny Mundt. This decision, announced by general manager James Gladstone and his team, marks a notable shift in the Jaguars’ tight end lineup as they prepare for the upcoming free agency period. The release of Mundt highlights the franchise’s efforts to reshape the position ahead of the new season while managing financial flexibility.
Details Behind the Jaguars’ Decision to Move On from Mundt
Johnny Mundt had signed a two-year contract worth $5.5 million with the Jaguars last offseason, but his time with the team ended after just one year. Mundt was initially the primary backup tight end behind Brenton Strange at the start of last season. However, over time, both Mundt and fellow offseason addition Hunter Long lost playing time to Quintin Morris, a newer tight end for the Jaguars. Morris was recently re-signed, positioning him as the likely second tight end alongside Strange moving forward.
By releasing Mundt, the Jaguars will incur a dead cap penalty of approximately $500,000, yet will gain over $2.7 million in cap space. While this is not a large financial move, every bit of relief matters as the team continues to make roster adjustments, including recent investments to retain cornerback Montaric Brown and linebacker Dennis Gardeck.
Focus Shifts to Young Tight Ends and Roster Rebuilding
The Jaguars appear ready to overhaul the tight end corps behind Strange, with Morris emerging as a key figure. As a free agent in the offseason, Morris was quickly re-signed and expressed optimism about returning to a familiar system.
“I definitely think there’s always a lot of untapped potential. I think it’s definitely a lot more comfortable as in the sense of just coming back being in a familiar system now, kind of understanding the coaches, understanding what we’re building, understanding the offense and what we’re trying to accomplish,”
Morris said on Monday.
“And so, it’s a lot less, I’d say thinking and stuff, and you can kind of really go out there and play.”
With Mundt’s release, questions remain about Hunter Long’s future on the roster, as the Jaguars seek more versatility and explosiveness at the tight end position. The move to release Mundt is the first major step in shifting the team’s offensive strategy toward a more dynamic passing game.
Mundt’s Performance and Role During His Tenure
During the 16 games he appeared in last season, Mundt started six games and recorded nine receptions for 111 yards under head coach Liam Coen’s offensive scheme. He contributed primarily as a blocking tight end, taking part in roughly 36 percent of the Jaguars’ offensive snaps throughout the season. Despite his solid role as a blocker, his decreasing snap counts suggested the Jaguars were ready to move in a different direction with their tight end group.
Implications for the Jaguars’ Offseason Strategy
The release of Johnny Mundt signifies the Jacksonville Jaguars’ intent to recalibrate at the tight end spot as they head into the offseason and free agency. By saving cap space and focusing on younger players like Morris, the team is aiming to build a more flexible and potent offense. This adjustment reflects ongoing efforts by James Gladstone and the Jaguars’ staff to balance financial prudence with competitive roster development, emphasizing growth and adaptability in the team’s offensive unit.
The Jaguars are releasing veteran TE Johnny Mundt, per source. A top blocking tight end now on the market.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 9, 2026
