JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Starting outside linebacker Russell Allen was among four players the Jacksonville Jaguars released on Thursday afternoon.
The team also cut receiver Jabin Sambrano, defensive end Will Pericak, and defensive end D'Aundre Reed.
The 27-year-old Allen started 29 games over the past two seasons and 44 games in his five seasons with the Jaguars. He has missed just two games in those five seasons and made 331 tackles and had two sacks, one interception, and three fumble recoveries.
Allen made the team in 2009 as an undrafted rookie out of San Diego State. In addition to playing linebacker he has been a key special teams performer (42 tackles).
Allen became expendable when the Jaguars signed free-agent linebacker Dekoda Watson, whom head coach Gus Bradley said will play strongside linebacker on first and second down and the leo position (hybrid end/linebacker) on third down. Allen's release saves the Jaguars $2.5 million on the salary cap.
Reed played in six games for Minnesota in 2012 and joined the Jaguars' practice squad last December. Sambrano and Pericak have each been with several teams and have yet to appear in an NFL game.