With the offseason underway, the Jaguars have plenty of tough decisions to make. Throughout our daily "Roster Reconstruction" series, we'll take a look at those key decisions at every position. Today, we'll focus on the tight end position.
Editor's Note: This series only features players who were on the active roster or injured reserve last season. Future/reserve players will not be included in this series.
PREVIOUSLY ON ROSTER RECONSTRUCTION: Special Teams / Safety / Cornerback / Linebacker / Defensive End / Defensive Tackle / Offensive Tackle / Interior Offensive Line
Marcedes Lewis
Outlook: Lewis will return for his 13th season in Jacksonville. The team picked up his contract option on Tuesday. Lewis is among the best blocking tight ends in the league. He is also very valuable in the red zone.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): No. 89 isn't going anywhere but EverBank TIAA Bank Field.
James O'Shaughnessy
Outlook: Claimed off waivers before Week 1, O'Shaughnessy carved out a role on special teams pretty early on in his tenure. As the season went on, the tight end became a role player on offense. He also has a last name that can barely fit on an NFL jersey.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): "Big Game" James should be back for training camp. He was in high demand on the waiver wire when the Jaguars claimed him last season and he showed flashes throughout his first campaign in Jacksonville. With the Jaguars expected to upgrade the tight end position this offseason, O'Shaughnessy will have to show up in a big way during training camp.
Ben Koyack
Outlook: Koyack spent most of last season as a blocker. He only caught five passes during the regular season. He is set to become an exclusive rights free agent in March.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): Koyack's free agency status only allows for him to negotiate with the Jaguars, so he is pretty much a lock to return. Koyack has found a role in the Jaguars' offense but he will need to have a strong offseason to make the final roster in September.
Mychal Rivera
Outlook: The Jaguars declined to pick up Rivera's 2018 contract option this week. He missed this past season with a hand injury. He will hit free agency in March.
Kaye's Take (Staying or Going?): Rivera's Jacksonville tenure will probably end this offseason. The team could sign him to a veteran minimum contract in a pinch, but I fully expect the front office to be proactive with upgrading the position in free agency and the draft.
Follow Mike Kaye on Twitter at @Mike_E_Kaye.