4 biggest needs the Jaguars must address after giving Walker Little a new deal

Hours before the Jacksonville Jaguars faced off against the Houston Texans, left tackle Walker Little got a contract extension. While the signing took a back seat to linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair's hit on Trevor Lawrence, head coach Doug Pederson made sure that the news didn't go unnoticed, pointing out that the former Stanford Cardinal was deserving of his new deal.

Little, a second-round pick in the 2021 draft, has appeared in 52 games with 22 starts for the Jags. Having patiently waited for his chance, he finally showed what he brought to the table when the team traded Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings earlier this season. Right off the bat, the Texans native made the most of his opportunity, having given up just seven total pressures since becoming Lawrence's blindside protector full-time.

A day after the Texans game, Little said he was thrilled to get a three-year deal worth $45 million with $26 million guaranteed and stay in Jacksonville for years to come.

"Obviously super excited about it. I love Jacksonville, all of this. Love this team of the group of guys, people I get to come to work with every day. [I] really love the city," Little told the local media. "So always wanted to stay here. Obviously going into a contract year this year, I didn't know if it would happen or not, but I was really glad we were able to work something out and be able to be here for a few more years."

Later in his exchange with the press corps, Little said that he didn't think they were going to get something done this season, but talks ramped up during the team's Bye in Week 12.

"I'll be honest, I didn't anticipate getting anything done before the season ended, but we started talking over the Bye week. So over the bye week into last week, things just progressed, and we were able to get a deal done, kind of by the end of the day Saturday, and able to sign before the game yesterday," Little said.

Having shored up the left tackle spot, the Jaguars can turn their attention to other areas of need. With that in mind, here are the four biggest holes the Jaguars must address next offseason:

1. Cornerback

Tyson Campbell has locked up a cornerback spot in the boundaries, and rookie Jarrian Jones seems to be poised to stay at nickel. However, the Jaguars need another starter opposite Campbell to round out their trio.

Veteran Ronald Darby has been the victim of miscommunication this season, but he's also struggled to keep up with opposing wide receivers. On the other hand, Montaric Brown has gotten ample playing time outside the past two years but may be better suited for a backup role.

The Jaguars can check off this box by either pursuing someone like Paulson Adebo or D.J. Reed in free agency or going after two-way star Travis Hunter in the draft. Either way, they'll have options.

2. Defensive tackle

The Jags drafted a pair of defensive tackles in Jordan Jefferson and Maason Smith earlier this year, but that shouldn't deter them from continuing to beef up their interior trenches. After all, Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen have done a great job of containing the edge but Jacksonville has had a hard time bringing the heat from inside in 2024.

Maybe this need will be alleviated if Arik Armstead keeps getting more playing time inside like he did against the Texans. While the Oregon Duck has mostly lined up on the edge for the Jaguars but is more of a difference-maker when he plays on the interior.

But regardless of where Armstead lines up next year, the Jaguars must add another defensive tackle in 2025.

3. Wide receiver

You can make the case that the Jaguars have no shortage of weapons after adding Brian Thomas Jr. and Gabe Davis to their wide receiver corps. However, the latter struggled to make an impact before a knee injury prematurely brought his season to a halt.

Thomas is most definitely a keeper, but the Jags need to find another receiver who can draw coverage away from him and push Davis. Add the fact that Christian Kirk could be a cap casualty, and the team's brass will be better off replenishing Trevor Lawrence's arsenal in 2025.

4. Right guard

Brandon Scherff has been a staple of the Jacksonville offensive line since signing with the Jags in 2022. However, he's set to become a free agent next year, and the front office needs to start looking for his potential heir apparent. Bringing him back is definitely an option, but he would be a short-term fix at right guard.

After all, Scherff will be 33 in 2025 and may not have many years left in him. The Jags could either sign his replacement or draft a young right guard and have him sit behind the veteran for a year or two.

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