3 burning questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars O-Line that must be addressed

1. How will the Jaguars handle the right tackle situation?

Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is coming off his best season as a pro, giving up just 16 total pressures and five sacks, both career bests. Moreover, his Pro Football Focus blocking grade of 76.4 was the highest he’s posted since the Jags made him a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Looking back, Taylor peaked at the right time. He’s now slated to become a free agent and the Jaguars might have a hard time retaining him given the limited amount of cap space they’ll have at their disposal in the offseason. The former Florida Gator will have no shortage of suitors if he hits the open market and might be better off changing teams if he wants to maximize his earnings.

It’s hard to project what kind of contract Taylor would get if he becomes a free agent but the four highest-paid right tackles in the league earn an annual average of $17 million or more. A team desperate for offensive line help could give Taylor a contract that averages $17 million per year but one that pays him somewhere between $14 million and $15 million annually seems like a more reasonable outcome.

If Taylor leaves, the Jaguars will most likely plug Walker Little in at right tackle. Little was the team’s top backup offensive lineman last season and fared well in relief of Camp Robinson late in the season.

While Little is a natural fit at left tackle, he had reps on the right side last offseason, so he won’t start from scratch. The fact that he’s shown starting potential and has two years left on his rookie deal should make him a favorite to start at right tackle in 2023.