The Jacksonville Jaguars close out their preseason August 23 against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. For some players, the matchup represents more than fine-tuning before Week 1. It’s a career crossroads. For a pair of Jaguars fighting on the roster bubble, every snap carries the weight of survival.
One is a once-promising draft pick in Chad Muma, whose career has yet to find steady ground. The other is a receiver in Austin Trammell, whose margin for error is razor-thin in one of the team’s most competitive position groups. Their names may not headline national broadcasts, but their performances in Miami could decide not just their Jaguars futures, but whether another NFL team comes calling.
A Former Third-Round Pick Running Out of Chances
Three years ago, Jacksonville invested a third-round pick in a linebacker, Chad Muma, believing he could grow into a defensive cornerstone. The Wyoming stars’ reputation was built on instincts, tackling range, and toughness. Yet fast-forward to 2025, and that same player has been largely confined to special teams and backup duty, watching others leapfrog him on the depth chart.
The Jaguars’ middle is firmly anchored by Foyesade Oluokun, with Devin Lloyd flashing his playmaking upside and rookie Jack Kiser earning buzz throughout camp. That leaves little room for a former top-100 pick who hasn’t been able to lock down a consistent role.
As NFL insider Tony Wiggins explained on the “Locked On Jaguars“ podcast:
“I would definitely put him on the bubble because I haven’t seen enough from him. Everything I think about with [him] is yeah, he’s aight, but he hasn’t shown anything.”
Saturday in Miami isn’t just another August exhibition — it’s a referendum. A strong showing could push him into the linebacker rotation. Another quiet outing could have Jacksonville asking whether a younger, cheaper option deserves his roster spot.
A Receiver Fighting More Than Just Coverage
Wide receiver is one of Jacksonville’s most crowded position groups, and Austin Trammell has been in a fierce battle for the final roster slots. With Brian Thomas Jr. and Dyami Brown bringing vertical speed, and Parker Washington paired with rookie Travis Hunter to offer versatility, opportunities for fringe players are scarce.
That’s the uphill climb Austin Trammell is facing, who entered the league undrafted out of Rice. Known more for his sharp routes and competitive edge than his measurables, he’s worked his way into camp conversations. But in the fight for the fifth or sixth receiver spot, versatility is the currency that matters.
Veteran Trenton Irwin has the upper hand, largely because of his six years of NFL experience. As John Shipley of Jaguars SI noted:
“I had Irwin making it. Because he has a leg up in terms of special teams value.”
That leaves Saturday as a final chance. Whether it’s catching everything thrown his way, showing reliability on third downs, or flashing as a return man, he must make himself impossible to ignore — not just to Jacksonville, but to all 31 other teams reviewing film from the game.
Why Miami Matters
Preseason finales rarely draw national attention, but inside team buildings, they shape careers. By Sunday, Jacksonville’s coaching staff and front office will be making painful decisions. For a linebacker once touted as a future starter and a receiver known more for grit than accolades, this matchup in Miami could prove decisive. Their futures hinge not on reputation, but on what unfolds when the lights come on one last time.
Jaguars’ Bubble Battle: Fringe Duo Fighting for Survival in Miami