The Jacksonville Jaguars had quite the offseason. New leadership, an enormous roster turnover, and a new combination of veteran talent and rookies looking to capture the AFC South. So, while we sit in this dead zone between the last preseason game and the first of the regular season, why not use the silence to talk about next offseason?
I know, I can feel your collective eyerolls now. But hear me out: barring a terrible season, there are a few Jaguars players I'd love to see earn new contracts next year. I've got my money on three defenders in particular, each bringing a unique skill set to the unit.
Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker
This shouldn't surprise anyway. Despite the Aiden Hutchinson comparisons, fans should be happy with Travon Walker. He doesn't dominate the sack stats like his Lions counterpart, but he's a top-tier defensive end who sets the edge and is the perfect complement to Josh Hines-Allen on the other side. With a stouter defensive line, Walker is poised to have a breakout year.
And he's entering his final year on his rookie contract. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence already signed for the foreseeable future, and the aforementioned Hines-Allen locked in, as well, there's nothing stopping the Jaguars from cementing their pass-rushing prowess for years to come.
Related: Way too-early predictions: 3 prominent Jaguars who won’t return in 2026
Jaguars linebacker Devin Lloyd
Less of a lock than Walker—and maybe a bit of a gamble, if I'm being honest—linebacker Devin Lloyd has been sneaky good during his time as a Jaguar. He's pulled in four interceptions, caused a forced fumble, and recovered four more. And consistency? Andy Quach of Sports Illustrated claims that he "was arguably the NFL's best tackler in 2024" thanks to his league-leading 4.5 percent missed tackle rate.
But I get it: the Jaguars' linebacker room is deep, even if some of that talent is young and unproven. Rookie Jack Kiser has flashed in training camp and the preseason, and third-year veterans Yasir Abdullah and Ventrell Miller are showing they're capable of starting. Lloyd will have to show more than just flashes of spectacular.
I'm confident he will.
Related: Jets just released draft bust graded higher than Jaguars' Brian Thomas Jr.
Jaguars defensive end Dawuane Smoot
I'm aware I'm reaching now, but there's a reason new general manager James Gladstone brought back SMOOOOT. He's a fan favorite, and for a reason. He's a solid, consistent defensive end. And, as John Shipley of Sports Illustrated points out, "In terms of pure locker room value, there are not many Jaguars who have stood out more over the last six or so years than Dawuane Smoot."
You want a guy like Smooth in your locker room just as much as you want him on the grass. While there's little-to-no chance he'll compete for the starting job, Smoot fills the depth vacancy that has existed at the Jaguars defensive end position for some time.
Final thoughts
Yes, it's too early to talk about next offseason. But also yes, I'm confident (okay, 82 percent confident) that these three defenders will be back in the black and teal next year.
SMOOOOOT