The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a busy offseason, hiring a new general manager and head coach, after they went into last season with hopes of winning the AFC South but stumbled to a 4-13 record and an uncertain future.
The roster has also undergone plenty of change, but one of the anchors on defense will be staying put as the Jaguars have made a contract decision with Travon Walker.
“The Jaguars announced they have exercised the fifth-year option on DE Travon Walker, the former No. 1 overall pick,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport wrote on X.
The #Jaguars announced they have exercised the fifth-year option on DE Travon Walker, the former No. 1 overall pick.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 7, 2025
Jacksonville got plenty of pushback for selecting Walker in the 2022 NFL Draft over Aidan Hutchinson, who went to the Detroit Lions at No. 2 overall and became an immediate star, but Walker has gradually developed into one of the best pass rushers in the league in his own right.
Walker has played all 17 games over the past two seasons and posted double-digit sacks each year, with 13 tackles for loss in 2024.
This contract decision was an easy one for a franchise going through so much change, and the Jaguars certainly know that if Walker were to become a free agent a year early, teams would line up for a chance to sign him.
Edge rushers are getting bigger paydays than ever, and Walker is likely to get a massive deal soon, so the Jaguars now have some flexibility going forward.
