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Roster Moves: Jaguars release veteran RB Chris Ivory, waive three others

Ivory signed a five-year, $32 million free-agent contract with the Jaguars in 2016.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Jaguars released veteran running back Chris Ivory on Friday.

Ivory signed a five-year, $32 million free-agent contract with the Jaguars in 2016. His release frees up roughly $3.68 million in cap space for the Jaguars, according to OverTheCap.com.

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The eight-year veteran failed to live up to the expectations of his contract fairly early on during his two-year tenure in Jacksonville.

An undisclosed injury prevented Ivory from taking the field during the first two games of his debut season in Jacksonville. Ivory and T.J. Yeldon were expected to pair up to form a one-two punch but both fell short of their potential as a duo in 2016.

The lackluster performances of Ivory and Yeldon led to the Jaguars' selection of Leonard Fournette with the fourth overall pick in last year's NFL Draft. Fournette became the workhorse back for the Jaguars, which led to reduced roles for both Ivory and Yeldon. Ivory finished his final season in Jacksonville with 133 touches for 557 total yards.

With Ivory out of the picture, the Jaguars currently have Fournette, Yeldon, Brandon Wilds and Tim Cook under contract at running back. Corey Grant, the team's kick returner and gadget back, is set to become a restricted free agent in March.

Fournette will continue his role as the team's lead back. The running back had a strong rookie season, as he produced 1,040 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns in 13 games.

Yeldon is likely to continue his role as the team's third-down back. After being a healthy scratch for the team's first six games this past season, Yeldon became a fixture of the offense as a receiver and a blocker.

If Grant is re-signed, he will probably see an increase in touches on offense. His work against the New England Patriots during the first half of the AFC Championship Game showed his ability to make plays in the passing game. Grant is also among the Jaguars' best special teams players.

Along with Ivory's release, the team waived wide receiver Larry Pinkard, running back I'Tavius Mathers and defensive back Jarrod Harper.

Mathers (spine) and Harper (concussion) missed their entire rookie season on injured reserve. Pinkard played in four games for the Jaguars, catching one pass for five yards. He was eventually placed on injured reserve with a concussion of his own.

Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.

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