The Jacksonville Jaguars showed confidence in Travon Walker when they picked up the fifth-year option on his rookie deal. He's now under contract through 2026, but salaries for pass rushers will have only gone up by the time he becomes a free agent. For that reason, the Jags should consider extending the former Georgia Bulldog an extension in the upcoming months. The issue is that things aren't black and white.
Moe Moton of Bleacher Report drew up a list of the most important contracts for each NFL team ahead of the 2025 season and picked Walker for Jacksonville, arguing that his value could skyrocket if he breaks out.
"NFL teams should pay ascending edge-rushers sooner rather than later because the player's contract demands can skyrocket after a breakout season. Walker has yet to make an All-Pro or Pro Bowl roster, but he's logged at least 10 sacks in back-to-back campaigns. The Jaguars' new regime has exercised the fifth-year option in his rookie deal. The front office can take its commitment one step further and pay him."
The first overall pick in 2021, Walker had a somewhat quiet rookie campaign. However, he's shown progress each of the past two seasons. Despite the fact that the Jacksonville defense as a whole was underwhelming, the Thomaston, Georgia native was one of the most consistent players, registering 56 total pressures and 10 sacks. His production looks even more impressive when you take into account that he was asked to put on unnecessary weight.
Walker is back at his natural weight. And with defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile calling the shots, he's in a position to break out in 2025.
Giving Travon Walker an extension comes with prons and cons for the Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars could most definitely benefit from extending Travon Walker. The division rival Houston Texans got ahead of the curve and gave cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. a new deal that pays him an annual average of $30 million. Like Walker, he was a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Of course, Stingley is already an All-Pro, whereas Walker still has untapped potential. Either way, giving him a new contract in 2025 comes with benefits. The biggest one is that salaries for pass rushers will only continue to go up.
Myles Garrett got a new deal that pays him $40 million per year. T.J. Watt, Trey Hendrickson, and Micah Parsons will also get paid before the year ends. The deals they get could potentially affect Walker's negotiations with the Jags. He isn't in the same echelon as them, but the three of them will raise the bar at the position. It's also worth noting that Jacksonville already dealt with a similar extension with Josh Hines-Allen.
The Jaguars exercised Hines-Allen's rookie option and could've saved themselves lots of money if they had given him an extension before his contract expired. He went on to have a monster season, and the team's brass ended up having to pay a premium for him. Something similar could happen with Walker.
The new regime could go ahead and give Walker a new deal. Conversely, they could wait until next year or until his contract expires to make a decision. The downside is that they will have to fork out significantly more money. Then again, if he breaks out, the Jags will gladly pay him.
Of course, there's another scenario in which Walker gets off to a strong start in 2025, and Jacksonville gives him an extension while he's hot.
Ultimately, the Jaguars have several options, all with pros and cons, and a bit of time to make a decision. It will be interesting to see how the new regime handles the situation.
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