Jaguars release WR Ace Sanders

Wide receiver/punt returner Ace Sanders, a fourth-round pick by the team in the 2013 NFL Draft, was released Friday, creating an opportunity at the team’s punt return spot.

Sanders was originally brought into Jacksonville during the fourth round of the Draft in 2013, but the 23-year-old has since failed to make his mark on the Jags after two seasons.

Unfortunately for Sanders, Jacksonville’s depth chart has become too crowded for him to get any real shot at playing time.

Sanders’ release leaves eight veteran receivers on the Jaguars’ roster: Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee, Allen Hurns, Arrelious Benn, Tandon Doss, Damian Copeland, Bryan Walters and first-year veteran Tony Washington.

They also trimmed the punt-returner position by one. His best season to date was his rookie campaign where he caught 51 passes for 484 yards and one touchdown.

Sanders was suspended by the Jaguars last season for four games due to a violation of the league’s substance-abuse policy.

While releasing Sanders likely won’t impact Jacksonville’s wide receiver depth chart, it does open up competition for punt return duties.