By Hays Carlyon (1010XL Jaguars reporter)

Tom Coughlin’s first major decision when he views the Jaguars roster is whether or not to cut tight end Julius Thomas.

He shouldn’t.

The team reportedly faces a Friday deadline, because $3 million of Thomas’ 2017 base salary of $7 million becomes guaranteed. However, a league source confirmed a report from the Florida Times-Union’s Ryan O’Halloran that Thomas’ $3 million guarantee doesn’t kick in until the start of the new league year on March 9.

Translation: If Thomas is still on the roster past Friday it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s safe.

Regardless, when Coughlin’s decision comes it will greatly shape the Jaguars offseason plan.

There are several reasons why Coughlin should keep Thomas, who signed a five-year deal worth $46 million with $24 million guaranteed in 2015.

TALENT

The Jaguars were 3-13 last season. You don’t get better by cutting quality players. Thomas catches touchdowns.

He wasn’t signed away from Denver to be a yardage monster. He was never going to have 1,000-yard seasons here. His value is his red-zone ability. Thomas caught 24 touchdowns in his final two seasons with the Broncos.

His scoring production has been good for the Jaguars considering a couple of key factors. He’s been hurt both seasons. Thomas broke his hand in the first preseason game in 2015 and missed the first four games. Last season, Thomas missed the final six games (seven total) with a back injury.

Despite only playing 21 games, Thomas has scored nine touchdowns for the Jaguars.

He was utilized poorly by previous coach Gus Bradley and offensive coordinator Greg Olson. Thomas’ game isn’t running 5-yard out routes. He doesn’t have the moves to make guys miss.

The 6-foot-5, 257-pound Thomas is a weapon down the middle of the field on seam routes. He’s a go-up-and-get-it rebounder. He needs to catch the ball moving forward.

The regression of quarterback Blake Bortles didn’t help this past season either.

FINANCIAL

The Jaguars don’t need to create salary-cap space. They have an estimated $62 million to work with this offseason.

Now, there are players the Jaguars should consider dumping to save some money like cornerback Davon House ($6 million) and linebacker Dan Skuta ($4.1 million). Neither player carries dead money if released.

Thomas does. The net savings in cutting Thomas is $4.7 million. That just isn’t enough to risk cutting a player who could score 10 touchdowns this fall.

THE VOID

Anytime a team cuts a player, it needs to look at what the future will hold at that spot.

If Thomas is cut, the Jaguars would be relying veteran Marcedes Lewis, Ben Koyack and Neal Sterling. That would be concerning. Lewis turns 33 in May and is past his prime as a receiver. Koyack and Sterling have a combined 31 catches in the NFL.

The Jaguars would have a glaring need at tight end.

The potential free-agent market at the position is thin, with possibilities like Indianapolis’ Jack Doyle and Miami’s Dion Sims headlining a group of older, decent players. Thomas, who turns 29 on June 27, arguably would be the best of the bunch if he hit the market.

The draft is loaded at tight end, but does Coughlin really want to have to use one of his first three picks at the position? The Jaguars would be better off addressing the defensive and offensive lines with their first and second-round choices. I’d rather invest the third-round pick in a safety, cornerback or running back instead of a tight end.

There is such a thing as addition by subtraction in sports, but I don’t see that here with Thomas. Coughlin would be well served to keep Thomas and not open up another hole on the roster.

(You can email Hays at haysc@1010xl.com and follow him on Twitter @HaysCarlyon).