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Two years after Jaguars gave WR Allen Hurns a huge contract, they cut him

Frank Schwab
·NFL writer

Allen Hurns’ contract early in 2016 seemed like a turning point.

Hurns got a four-year, $40 million extension from the Jacksonville Jaguars. At the time, only nine receivers made more per year than that. Hurns was a promising receiver but hadn’t played to a top-10 level. But receiver contracts, and contracts in general, were starting to explode. Hurns’ deal was more proof of that.

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Hurns didn’t make it to the end of his deal. The Jaguars cut him on Tuesday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Two years ago, it seemed Hurns and Allen Robinson would be the Jaguars’ receivers for the foreseeable future. Robinson signed with the Chicago Bears this month as a free agent and Hurns is moving on too.

Hurns had 1,031 yards and 10 touchdowns before getting his large contract, then never built off that. The last two seasons combined he had 961 yards and five touchdowns. Injuries played a part, but his production simply dipped. However, with yet another thin receiver market in free agency, Hurns will get plenty of interest now that he’s free. He’s just 26 years old.

The Jaguars are overhauling their receivers. Dede Westbrook and Keelan Cole will get bigger roles. Marqise Lee was re-signed to a four-year, $34 million deal and former Indianapolis Colts receiver Donte Moncrief got a one-year, $9.6 million deal that’s fully guaranteed. Jacksonville has a totally new look in the passing game.

Two years ago, Hurns was the rising star in the Jaguars ranks, and his contract reflected that potential. But as we know too well, things change in the NFL at a rapid rate.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns was cut by the team two seasons after signing a $40 million deal. (AP)
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Allen Hurns was cut by the team two seasons after signing a $40 million deal. (AP)

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Frank Schwab is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at shutdown.corner@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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