Jaguars Waive Chad Muma in Surprise Cut
The Jacksonville Jaguars have waived linebacker Chad Muma as part of their final roster reductions, a move that comes as a surprise to some around the league. The decision opens a spot on the 53-man roster and could lead to a claim on waivers by another team.
Muma, 26, was a two-year starter at Wyoming, earning second-team All-American and first-team All-Mountain West honors in 2021 and second-team All-MWC in 2020. The Jaguars selected him with the No. 70 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He was entering the final year of his contract, a four-year deal worth $5,426,108 that included a $1,126,260 signing bonus.
In the 2024 season, Muma appeared in 17 games for Jacksonville, recording 32 tackles and three starts.
What it means next
– The roster move creates an opening that the Jaguars could fill via a sign-and-trade, a different veteran addition, or by promoting from the practice squad.
– If Muma clears waivers, he would become a free agent and be able to sign with any team.
– A number of teams seeking depth at linebacker could have interest given his NFL experience and special-teams versatility.
Background on Muma
– College: Wyoming, where he played as a two-year starter and earned All-American and All-Mountain West honors in 2021, plus All-MWC recognition in 2020.
– NFL path: Drafted in 2022 by the Jaguars, playing a rotational role in his first two seasons and remaining in the mix for defensive snaps in 2024.
A note on potential impact
– For Jacksonville, the move signals ongoing roster shaping ahead of the regular season, testing depth at linebacker and elsewhere.
– For Muma, this provides an opportunity to find a fresh start with a new team where his experience and versatility could prove valuable.
Summary
The Jaguars have cut Chad Muma, a former third-round pick, in a surprise move that creates an immediate roster opening and may lead to a waiver claim or a later signing elsewhere. The next few days on the waiver wire will determine his destination, while Jacksonville looks to adjust its linebacker depth as it moves closer to the season.