Jaguars had brutal timing with their release of veteran defensive lineman
Oct 1, 2023; London, United Kingdom;The Jacksonville Jaguars logo at midfield during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Jacksonville Jaguars offered a fairly brutal reminder of how the NFL is a business on Monday.
Various reports Monday stated that the Jaguars were releasing veteran defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi in a salary cap move. The decision was set to save Jacksonville $3.5 million against the salary cap.
Source: #Jaguars are releasing defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi.
The move saves $3.5M on the cap. pic.twitter.com/GMiEuQrUuc
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 4, 2024
Moves like this are very common at this time of year, but Fatukasi’s was unique. The move came on his 29th birthday — which the Jaguars had recognized just hours earlier.
Happy birthday, 94! 🎉@FISGlobal | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/P0SyWYuZJB
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) March 4, 2024
Fatukasi at least has some company in getting cut on his birthday. It’s unlikely to soften the blow, though.
Fatukasi signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Jaguars in 2022. He had 48 total tackles and 1.5 sacks during his two seasons with the team.