While the Jacksonville Jaguars certainly started strong in the trenches, things have only gotten worse as the season progressed. The offensive line began as one of the unexpected strengths of the year under the leadership of new head coach Liam Coen and offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. They allowed zero sacks in the opening game against Carolina, then only three in the next three games. After that, things have kind of gone off the rails.
The Kansas City Chiefs may have only gotten to quarterback Trevor Lawrence three times for 11 yards, but the Seattle Seahawks dragged No. 16 to the grass a season-high—and a career-high for Lawrence—seven times for 44 yards. It was a rough night for the former Clemson Tiger, and left tackle Walker Little might have been the biggest culprit: He allowed four of the seven sacks.
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Jaguars left tackle Walker Little hasn't played up to his contract
While Jaguars left tackle Walker Little hasn't had a bad year, I'm not quite sure he's lived up to the expectations that former general manager Trent Baalke had for him when he signed him to a three-year deal worth $40 million.
Early in the 2024 season, Baalke locked up Little after deciding to pass on then-starting tackle Cam Robinson. No complaints here, as Robinson has bounced around the NFL since then without finding a home, but the jury's still out as to whether or not Little is the answer.
Pro Football Focus ranks him a middling 51st out of 114 tackles. He's allowed five sacks, four quarterback hits, and 22 pressures this season, all near the bottom of the rankings. His run blocking is slightly better, and he has been consistently available, playing over 400 snaps at left tackle, second best in the league.
But Week 6 might have been a tipping point moment for Little. While overall, his season has been at least middle-of-the-road, he was little better than a traffic cone during the Jaguars' 20-12 loss to the Seahawks, according to JP Acosta of CBS Sports.
With the audacity of general manager James "Let's win now" Gladstone, Walker might find himself under a heap of scrutiny as the 2025 NFL trade deadline approaches.
Boye Mafe turning Walker Little into a traffic cone pic.twitter.com/YTXcpcclv1
— JP Acosta (@acosta32_jp) October 14, 2025
Jaguars LT Walker Little faces tough challenge vs. a strong Rams team
Unfortunately for Little, the Jaguars' Week 7 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams isn't going to be an easy challenge. The Rams' defense has averaged less than 200 passing yards per game, though their rushing defense is less stellar, with opposing teams averaging 107 yards per game. However, the most glaring statistic that's likely lingering in Little's mind is the 19 sacks that Los Angeles has registered this year—tied for fourth in the league with the Detroit Lions.
It's going to be tough for Little to shine against a strong, in-the-trenches team like the Rams. However, it's time to step up before Gladstone does his thing, especially if linebacker Byron Young is lined up on the other side.
The third-year defender will be looking to add to his already impressive 7.5 sacks. But if Little can improve and show he belongs—especially against a team like the Rams—he might just get his name scratched off the "to-be-traded" list that we all know Gladstone has hanging on his refrigerator.
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Final thoughts
Jaguars left tackle Walker Little has had a decent season. He's played mostly well, though not exceptionally. However, with his relatively large cap hit—this season and next—he might be up on the trading block if he doesn't begin to play up to his contract.