JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Guard Will Rackley was among six players cut by the Jaguars on Monday, the latest move in which the team has distanced itself from the regime of previous general manager Gene Smith.
Only seven of the 26 players Smith drafted from 2009 to 2012 remain on the roster, including two of the team's first-round picks. One of those is receiver Justin Blackmon, who is serving an indefinite suspension after his third violation of the NFL's substance-abuse policy.
Rackley, the team's third-round pick in 2011, started 25 of the 26 games in which he played for the Jaguars, including 11 games last season. He missed the 2012 season with an ankle injury.
He tweeted Monday after the team announced his release.
I really appreciate all the love and support! I've been mentally prepared for anything.. Much success to come
- Will Rackley (@WillRackley) May 12, 2014
The Jaguars have just one player on the roster from the 2009 and 2010 drafts: defensive end Tyson Alualu, the 10th overall pick in 2010. The other players remaining from Smith's drafts include two 2011 fourth-round picks (receiver Cecil Shorts and safety Chris Prosinski) and four players from the 2012 draft: Blackmon (No. 5 overall), defensive end Andre Branch (second round), punter Bryan Anger (third round), and cornerback Mike Harris (sixth round).
The Jaguars on Monday also released running back Delone Carter, fullback Shaun Chapas, receiver Jeremy Ebert, defensive tackle Drake Nevis and receiver Stephen Williams. They combined to appear in eight games last season.
