Grade the signing: Jaguars reward Walker Little's patience with 3-year deal

The Jacksonville Jaguars won't have to worry about Trevor Lawrence's blindside for a while. Hours before the Week 13 game against the Houston Texans, they struck a contract extension with left tackle Walker Little, ensuring he doesn't hit free agency in 2025.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported before the Week 13 game that the Jags have given Little a three-year deal worth $45 million with $26 guaranteed. Several outlets confirmed the news not long after.

A second-round pick in the 2021 draft, Little had appeared in 51 games with 21 starts at the time of the signing. Although he had flashed, he had to wait to get his chance. The former Stanford Cardinal only got playing when fellow Cam Robinson was unavailable.

It wasn't until Jacksonville traded Robinson at the 2024 deadline that Little got his opportunity to showcase what he could do. He's made the most out of it, giving up just six total pressures and no sacks on 154 pass-blocking snaps the past five games. The Texas native has also gotten the spotlight because he has not surrendered a sack in three consecutive contests.

Having taken care of Little, the Jags can now turn their attention to safety Andre Cisco, tight end Luke Farrell, and perhaps running back Travis Etienne. Like the fourth-year left tackle, all three are members of the 2021 draft class. The team's brass has already locked up Trevor Lawrence, cornerback, and Little.

Before Jacksonville signed Little, they had $62 million in space, but regardless of how his contract is structured, they should still have enough cap room to bring back their pending free agents or go after a few players in the open market.

Grade the signing: Signing Walker Little provides continuity on the Jaguars O-Line

The 2025 free-agent class of left tackles didn't look particularly great. There will tentatively be a few notable names, but not many worth a top-market contract. Garrett Bolles and Tyron Smith will be the highlights, but both of them are past their prime. Perhaps Ronney Staley will be available, but the Baltimore Ravens will probably make a strong effort to re-sign him.

The same is true for next year's NFL Draft. There are a handful of prospects who will potentially go in the first round, but hardly one worth taking in the top 5. With Walker Little in the fold, the Jacksonville Jaguars have checked off a massive box and can address other needs with their first-round pick, which could be as high as the No. 1 overall. Heck, they may even been in a position to roll with two-way star Travis Hunter.

It's also worth noting that Little's annual average of $15 million falls outside of the top 10 among left tackles. He's tied with Jonah Williams for the 13th highest-paid player at the position.

In the end, the Jacksonville Jaguars might've chosen to go with the devil they knew because their options in free agency and the draft weren't particularly exciting. Add the fact that he's getting a team-friendly contract, and this looks like a pretty good deal based on how he's played.

Grade: A

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