The Jacksonville Jaguars have cut former starting strong safety, Barry Church. Though Church is only in his second year with the team, the writing was on the wall. Church’s playing time has decreased significantly in recent weeks. Church was initially signed before the 2017 season started and played well that year but he is an aging veteran. The departure of Church leaves room for rookie Ronnie Harrison to be the starting strong safety going forward.
The #Jaguars waived former FA signing Barry Church, who was healthy and inactive last week. They also waived TE Niles Paul from NFI. Jax activated OL Josh Wells from IR.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 14, 2018
Barry Church Released from the Jacksonville Jaguars
It was becoming increasingly evident that Church was not going to be a Jaguar for the 2019 season. He was a healthy scratch in last Thursday’s match up with the Tennessee Titans. Church was also losing playing time to Harrsion so the move isn’t surprising. Perhaps the move is unexpected because of timing, the team is getting an early start to clearing needed cap space. Also, the Jags were able to bring lineman Josh Wells back from the IR.
In 2017, Church had four interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), eight passes defended, and 56 solo tackles. Through 11 games in 2018, Church had one interception with only two passes defended and 32 solo tackles. He was a good stop gap at the strong safety position and was a decent tandem with free safety Tashaun Gipson in 2017. Harrison will be replacing Church and has played well as a rookie with one interception this year.
What does the future hold for Church? Jacksonville is only the second team the saftety has played for since entering the league in 2010. He was originally with the Dallas Cowboys. While Church is 30 now, he should find a spot with a team sooner than later. Even if Church doesn’t find himself chosen by a playoff team this year looking get more depth, he’ll likely be on a roster by the time training camp of 2019 comes around.
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