Every year, speculation runs rampant during the draft cycle. Teams are linked to process and players are the subject of trade chatter. Such is the case of Travon Walker ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. While there are no credible reports that the Jacksonville Jaguars are listening to trade offers, that hasn't stopped talking heads and fans from discussing potential fits and destinations for the former Georgia Bulldog.
Just recently, James Nagle of Pro Football reference suggested the Jags trade Walker to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for two first-round picks. Around the same time, Charlie Campbell of Walter Football said they were listening to offers. Regardless of how accurate the scoop was, he never discussed whether Jacksonville had legitimate interest in shopping the fourth-year pass rusher.
But wait, there's more, Wayne Gregory of Stadium Rant recently made the case for the New England Patriots to trade for Walker in exchange for pick No. 69 in this year's draft. Although there's no doubt that their pass rush could use a boost, getting a deal done for the No. 1 pick in 2022 seems highly unlikely. In fact, it wouldn't make sense.
The same things that make Walker appealing to other clubs are precisely the reasons the Jags wouldn't trade Walker right now. Think about it, he posted a combined 10.5 sacks the past two seasons, and is set to have cap hits of $10.1 million and 11.8 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively. This is to say that the Thomaston, Georgia native is productive player who is under contract the next two years at a manageable rate.
When you put it like that, why would the Jaguars trade Walker?
Related story: Updated cap space and draft picks for the Jaguars after free agency
The Jaguars are better off keeping Travon Walker than trading him
Benjamin Solak suggested last year that acquiring Travon Walker would cost two fourth-round selections. If a club ever made that offer to the Jackosnville Jaguars right now, they would probably laugh at their face and then hang up the fun.
Sure, Walker has yet to live up to his draft billing, but that doesn't mean the Jags are ready to give up on him, especially when you take into account that it would create a massive need in the defensive trenches.
At this moment, the Jaguars has a pair of bookend pass rushers in Walker and Josh HInes-Allen. However, it needs a No. 3 to round out their rotation. By trading Walker, Jacksonville would need not one but two pass rushers.
Sure, they could get another viable pass rusher or even two with the picks they got but their odds of striking out are considerably higher than those of nailing the picks. Maybe if Walker weren't showing progress, it would be understandable to move on from him, but that's not the case.
When to take into account that the Jacksonville Jaguars already have ample ammo in the draft, it's hard to see them trading Travon Walker, unless another club blows them away with an offer they can't refuse.