JACKSONVILLE – The Jaguars' defense is undergoing change.
This time, the news was about departures – with the team parting ways with three veterans as the new league year approaches.
Safety Rayshawn Jenkins, defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi and cornerback Darious Williams – starters during their Jaguars tenures -- have been released.
Jenkins, who signed with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in the 2021 offseason, started 48 of a possible 51 regular-season games the past three seasons. He registered 278 total tackles, 186 solos, with 11 tackles for loss and two sacks with five interceptions and 24 passes defensed.
Jenkins also turned in two of the most memorable plays in franchise history during the team's run to the 2022 postseason, returning an overtime interception 52 yards for a touchdown in a victory over the Dallas Cowboys and forcing a sack/fumble that linebacker Josh Allen returned for the game-winning touchdown in an AFC South-clinching victory over the Tennessee Titans in the regular-season finale.
Williams, who signed with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in the 2022 offseason, started 29 of 34 regular-season games played the past two seasons. He registered four interceptions – all in 2023 – and returned an interception 61 yards for a touchdown in a victory over the Atlanta Falcons.
Fatukasi, who signed with the Jaguars as an unrestricted free agent in the 2022 offseason, started 29 of 30 games played the past two seasons. He registered 48 tackles, 29 solos, with 1.5 sacks and five tackles for loss and four passes defensed.
The NFL's 2024 League Year begins Wednesday, March 13, at 4 p.m.
