It takes money to make money. That's the NFL's way of doing business, taking that old saying as literally as possible. Knowing that, the Jacksonville Jaguars have a lot of soul-searching to do after their early playoff exit, and some of that reflection will include how the roster is built moving forward.
At the moment, Jacksonville is expected to be $7,783,240 over the cap in 2026. Luckily, James Gladstone, the team's general manager, proved that he knows how to manipulate the cap and create space when new opportunities become available.
Unfortunately, Gladstone and the rest of his front office are obligated to consider the long-term consequences of various moves as well. That means the franchise won't be able to retain every talented player who comes through its doors.
With that sour note in mind, here are two standout Jaguars who could be on the trade block this offseason.
Travon Walker hasn't done enough to warrant a $120+ million extension
Travon Walker being placed on the trade block wouldn't be his fault. Aidan Hutchinson was a ca n't-miss pick back in 2022, but Trent Baalke decided to go with a prospect who had elite physical traits and played for a dynasty-level program at Georgia.
The powerful edge defender has always been great against the run, and his ability to bully opposing tackles contributed to the Jaguars allowing the fewest rushing yards per game in the NFL this season. However, we all know Walker wasn't drafted No. 1 overall to set edges.
After having back-to-back 10 sack seasons, the former Bulldog only had 3.5 trips to the QB this year. The lack of production hurt the Jags in situations where they needed to stop the other team's passing offense from maintaining momentum during shootouts and close games.
As Walker heads into his fifth season on the team, the front office will have control over his contract for one more year. Despite what I just said, big, physical edges with the ability contribute immediately will always be in high demand. The Jaguars' loss against the Buffalo Bills confirmed that the current roster still needs a lot of work to become a contender. Placing Walker on the trade block could net the picks needed to find some new starters at a very affordable price.
Also, the price needed to retain Walker is a massive problem on its own. Aidan Hutchinson's new four-year contract with the Detroit Lions will pay him $45 million per year. The calculator on my smartphone says that 45 x 4 equals 180, and I don't think Travon Walker has played well enough to earn a $180 million extension. Honestly, the 25-year-old may not have done enough to warrant a $120 million payday.
Another team may be willing to strain their salary cap by paying Walker that kind of money, but I don't think the Jags should.
Brian Thomas Jr.'s sophomore slump could have been a warning sign
The stats say Brian Thomas Jr. finished the 2025 season with 48 catches for 707 yards and two touchdowns. Believe it or not, he was second on the team in receptions and receiving yards this year.
The leader was Parker Washington with 58 catches for 847 yards from scrimmage.
If anyone told you Parker Washington would finish a 13-4 season as the team's leading receiver, you probably would have called them a BTJ hater and laughed them out of the building. I can't believe that's how it played out, myself, but James Gladstone is in a position to let Brenton Strange, Jakobi Meyers, and Parker Washington carry the load through the air while the team allocates resources elsewhere.
Travis Hunter should probably be playing DB full-time after what we just saw, but he also flashed potential as a possession receiver who was good for at least one spectacular catch every game. We should also consider the fact that Liam Coen's offense is best when it's more balanced, so having a room full of talented receivers could actually work against the team's greater good.
It would be easy to pile on Thomas and criticize how he disappeared in big moments this season, but placing him on the trade is simply a good decision for both sides. BTJ gets a chance to go to an organization that will feature him as the engine of their offense. Jacksonville chases the opportunity to move back into the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
If Thomas' sophomore slump is a warning sign for the future, the team may never have the chance to send him off for elite value. After getting bounced in the Wild Card round, the franchise can't afford to become too attached to players who didn't help the team make a run when it mattered the most. As much as it sucks to say, Jacksonville offering BTJ first would sting a lot less than the young wideout asking to get out of town himself.
We know how that always turns out.