The Jacksonville Jaguars' defensive line just got a new look, and a corresponding roster move has followed. After finalizing a trade that sends defensive lineman Maason Smith to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for fellow DL Ruke Orhorhoro, the Jaguars have also waived offensive lineman Cooper Hodges.
Hodges' journey with the team has been hampered by injuries. A seventh-round pick in 2023 out of Appalachian State, he missed his entire rookie season with a knee issue. After being waived and re-signed in 2024, he managed to appear in three games at guard and eight on special teams before a lower leg injury landed him on injured reserve in November.
This latest move opens a valuable spot on the Jaguars' 90-man offseason roster. For a team always looking to build depth in the trenches, this creates flexibility. It could signal a focus on adding more competition to the offensive line unit, potentially through the upcoming NFL Draft or free agency, as the Jaguars continue to shape their roster for the season ahead.
