The Jacksonville Jaguars have built a well-rounded defense, so it wouldn't make sense to trade one of their franchise cornerstones. However, that's precisely what an NFL analyst thinks they do.
After the Philadelphia Eagles traded for quarterback Sam Howell to be the primary backup behind Jalen Hurts, Ed Kracz of Sports Illustrated suggests they could be looking to bolster their pass rush. And to make it happen, Philly is seemingly setting its sights on a Jags' defensive player.
The Eagles are apparently interested in Jaguars DE Travon Walker
Ed Kracz wrote that the Eagles could try to trade for either Travon Walker or Jaelan Phillips. He points out that acquiring the former would require a first-round selection, but it wouldn't be an issue because Philly is expected to be picking late in Round 1. Below's the skinny.
"The Jaguars drafted him first overall in 2022 and picked up his fifth-year option, so he is signed through 2025," Kracz wrote. "He has had back-to-back, double-digit sacks seasons, putting up 10 last year and 10.5 a season ago."
Kracz continued, "The Eagles would have to give up a first-round pick next year to make it happen, but it's a pick that, if they do what is expected and make another deep playoff push, that pick would be closer to the second round anyway. The Jaguars don't have a first-round pick next year after trading it away in the deal to land Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter in the 2025 draft."
Josh Sweat led the Eagles in sacks with eight last year but left in free agency and signed with the Arizona Cardinals. So they could most definitely use help to bolster their pass rush. That said, Walker is probably not a viable option.
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The Jaguars wouldn't trade Travon Walker to the Eagles for a1st-round pick
Never say never, and most players can be had at the right price. Having said that, it's hard to see the Jacksonville Jaguars sending Travon Walker to the Philadelphia Eagles in return for a first-round pick. Could it help them? You bet, but it would also be creating a need they don't currently have.
It's also worth noting that this isn't the first time someone has suggested the Jaguars trade Walker, but as noted before, they would leave a massive void, and they don't currently have the personnel to fill it.
Sure, Danny Striggow and BJ Green showed promise in the preseason, and the Jags signed Emmanuel Ogbah in the offseason. But all those pass rushers are expected to have rotational roles. Heck, there's no guarantee that Striggow or Green will make the team.
For the sake of the argument, let's say Jacksonville were willing to listen to offers, of all the teams, why would they trade Walker to the Eagles? If they excel at something, it is strengthening their roster via trades, and if they wanted Walker, the Jags should be wondering why. Granted, they just traded Fred Johnson to Philly, but that was because he wasn't part of their plans and had a surplus at offensive tackle.
Meanwhile, Walker is an ascending player, one who is expected to have a breakout season after posting a combined 20.5 the past two years. You could make the case that Jacksonville is in the midst of a rebuild with James Gladstone and Liam Coen at the helm, and they could use extra assets.
However, the duo expects the Jaguars to compete right away after all the additions they made in the offseason. On top of that, they have several extra selections in later rounds, including two extra third-rounders in addition to theirs.
Simply put, trading Travon Walker would decrease their odds of challenging the Houston Texans for the division crown and would, at the same time, create a need opposite Josh Hines-Allen. Again, you can never fully rule out trading a player, but the Jaguars are better off keeping the former Georgia Bulldog even if the Eagles offered a first-round selection.
Grade: C, but only because it's a first-rounder
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