Jags released starting tackle Guy Whimper. He started 21 games for Jacksonville.  (USATSI)

In the first of several offseason moves to revitalize one of the NFL’s most downtrodden franchises in recent seasons, the Jacksonville Jaguars released starting right tackleGuy Whimper on Wednesday.

Whimper, a fourth-round pick of the Giants in 2006, had started 21 games for Jacksonville in the last two years. The Jaguars also released quarterback John Parker Wilson and defensive back Brandon King, the team announced.

The Jaguars struggled to protect quarterbacks Blaine Gabbert and Chad Henne throughout the 2012 season. Jacksonville allowed a sack on 8.53 percent of its pass attempts, according to NFLGSIS.com, ranking 26th in the league in the category. 

Without Whimper, the Jaguars red-zone offense may take a step back next season. In Week 8, Whimper made a sprawling 1-yard touchdown catch in the Jaguars' 24-15 loss to the Packers. At the time, the reception gave Whimper more touchdowns on the season than Justin Blackmon, Jason Avant, Fred Davis and Davone Bess. 


The move has a minor impact on the Jaguars’ salary cap situation. Whimper carried a cap hit of $1.825 million in 2013, the final season of his two-year, $3.05 million contract. In 2012, Whimper ranked 72nd among tackles in pass blocking efficiency according to Pro Football Focus. On the other side of the line, Eugene Monroe ranked 18th among all tackles, ahead of Bengals tackle Andre Smith and Redskins tackle Trent Williams.

At the NFL scouting combine last week in Indianapolis, Jaguars first-year coach Gus Bradley said the offense will employ a mix of zone-blocking and gap schemes in 2013.

With three prospects in the top 10 in CBSSports.com’s latest projections, offensive tackle is arguably the deepest position in the NFL Draft. In addition, nine tackles are projected to be selected in the first 85 picks.

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