JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith announced on social media that he will not play football in 2019 but left open the possibility of a return in 2020 and beyond.
Smith posted a statement Thursday afternoon on his Instagram account saying that he needs to take time off for his family and his health.
Jaguars’ LB Telvin Smith announced he will not play football in 2019. pic.twitter.com/GHCMhXmDQb
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) May 9, 2019
Smith did not notify the Jaguars about his intention to not play this season before his announcement on Instagram and had not been in contact with the club for much of the offseason. He has not been attending the Jaguars’ voluntary offseason conditioning program, which began in April, and coach Doug Marrone and GM Dave Caldwell had not been able to get in contact with Smith.
Smith was due to make $9.75 million this season, with $5 million of that becoming guaranteed on the third day of the league year. He would have counted $12.56 million against the salary cap, but the Jaguars get that space back if he does not play.
Smith agreed to restructure his contract last March to help the Jaguars’ cap situation and had $8 million of a roster bonus converted to a signing bonus, which allowed the team to spread that money out over the final three years of his deal.
Smith is under contract through the 2021 season and was scheduled to make $10 million in 2020 and $10.25 million in 2021.
The Jaguars drafted Smith in the fifth round of the 2014 draft. A positive marijuana test at the NFL combine contributed to him dropping and, per league rules, also landed him in the NFL’s substance abuse program. However, he missed only four games — all because of injuries — in his five seasons.
Per ESPN Stats & Information, Smith has had more solo tackles (441) than any player since he entered the NFL and his 581 total tackles ranks fourth over that span. Smith also has nine interceptions (three of which he returned for touchdowns) in his career.
Smith, who had a career-high 134 tackles last season, was a Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro in 2017 as a key part of a Jaguars defense that finished second in the NFL in sacks and turnovers forced and led the league in pass defense. The Jaguars scored seven defensive touchdowns that season and Smith had two, as well as another in the postseason.