Forgotten Jaguars backup could be more valuable than expected

Injuries can deplete a team in the blink of an eye. The Jacksonville Jaguars are aware of this reality, so they've spent the last two seasons building adequate depth to ensure the drop-off isn't nearly as steep if they were to miss a starter. This is especially true on the offensive line. Specifically, the Jags have a favorable situation at left tackle with Walker Little in the mix.

Although Little lost his starting job to Cole Van Lanen in 2025, he can step up at a moment's notice if needed. That was enough for an NFL analyst to include him on an illustrious list.

Jaguars LT Walker Little made ESPN's All-Backup Team

Bill Barnwell of ESPN drew up an All-Backup Team, a team composed of the best NFL backups at their respective positions. He chose Walker Little at left tackle, arguing that the sixth-year veteran is coming off an underwhelming season but brings ample of starting experience to the table.

"Little is one of the few obvious picks for this team," Barnwell wrote. "He served as a swing tackle for most of his first three years, but after a short run at left tackle in 2024, the Jags signed him to a three-year, $40.5 million extension."

Barnwell continued, "Little wasn't quite as effective under Liam Coen in 2025, and when he went down injured, Cole Van Lanen won the left tackle job and got his own contract. Little could always win the job back, but for now, he appears to be the sixth lineman in Jacksonville."

A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Little didn't get much playing time early in his career but held his own when pressed into action. Jacksonville traded Cam Robinson at the midpoint of 2024 to pave the way for him and gave him a three-year deal worth $40.5 million not long after.

The former Stanford Cardinal entered the 2025 season as the starter but struggled, giving up a team -worst nine sacks and 50 total pressures. Understandably, he was benched in favor of Cole Van Lanen.

However, Little got his job back when Van Lanen suffered an injury late in 2025 and is still on the roster despite the fact that he was at the center of trade speculation throughout the offseason.

Why the Jaguars are keeping Walker Little in spite of his struggles?

The answer is easy: With Cole Van Lanen still recovering from the knee injury he sustained in 2025, Walker Little gives the Jaguars valuable depth at left tackle. Heck, nobody should bat an eye if he's the starter come Week 1.

After all, Van Lanen is expected to return in training camp, but he may not be at full strength and could need more time to truly hit his stride. Jacksonville can afford not to rush him back with Little in the mix.

Of course, the prospect of trading Little is too good not to at least give it a thought, as it would free up nearly $13 million in space. Then again, the Jags know that having a capable backup with starting experience may be more valuable than whatever pick they get in return.

Moreover, there's a chance Little will get back to form and reclaim his job. That would be the kind of trouble any team would love to have at left tackle.

Maybe the Jaguars will consider trading Walker Little after 2026. But for the time being, they're better off keeping him around, which is why it wasn't particularly surprising to see him land on the All-Backup Team.

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