Head-scratching pitch has Jaguars trading Travon Walker for measly draft pick

As expected, the Jacksonville Jaguars picked up the fifth-year option on Travon Walker's rookie deal. This isn't surprising when you take into account that he's made significant strides and has posted 10 sacks in back-to-back seasons.

Granted, Walker hasn't been nearly as dominant as Aidan Hutchinson, who was picked one pick later in 2022. That said, he's done enough the past two years to make you think that he can be part of the Jags' long-term plans. As a matter of fact, head coach Liam Coen said at the 2025 NFL Owners Meeting that the team's brass has had conversations with the former Georgia Bulldog about a potential extension.

It's hard to tell, from an outside perspective, how serious and advanced said talks have been, but it shows that Jacksonville sees Walker as a cornerstone of their defense. That's why it was a bit puzzling to see an NFL talking head suggest the Jags trade the Thomaston, Georgia native for a pair of early-round draft picks.

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Grade the pitch: The Jaguars trade Travon Walker for 2nd and 3rd round picks

Not long after the Jaguars announced that they're exercising Travon Walker's option, Marcus Whitman of The Franchise Guy suggested they trade him for a second or a third-round pick, so they avoid the headache of having to pay him and fellow pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen. Below's he skinny:

"My take on this is that I'd trade him now," Whitman said on Twitter. "Get a 2nd or 3rd rounder in a deep edge class & save yourself the headache of having to negotiate $30+ mil with a former #1 overall pick bringing fraudulent sack production to the getotiating room. Destroy me for this if you'd like."

For the sake of clarity, it doesn't look like Whitman believes Jacksonville should trade Walker for a second or third-round pick- just one, not both. And if that's the case, there's no doubt a handful of clubs would get in touch with the Jags and try to get a deal done. After all, good pass rushers don't grow on trees, and the fourth-year pro is a pretty good one. This is the puzzling part.

If any teams call the Jaguars about Walker, it will be because they think he's good, not a reclamation project or a player who's been underwhelming. Why would they give up one of their building blocks? One who's made progress the past two years. Sure, Jacksonville would be freeing up cap space but would also be cutting ties with one of their top defensive players.

It's also important to point out that Walker has been the subject of trade chatter dating back to last year's deadline. However, the Jags don't appear to be interested in moving him, and why would they? Aside from his production, he's set to have cap hits of $11.8 million and $14.5 million in 2025 and 2026, respectively. All things considered, those are manageable figures.

This begs the question, why would Jacksonville trade Walker now if they don't plan to extend him? Why not keep him for the next two years at an affordable rate? If anything, the fact that they picked up the fifth-year options shows that they want him to stay at least through 2026.

On the other hand, the sooner they start contract talks, the cheaper it will be. Moreover, they will get cap flexibility if the front office gives him a signing bonus that increases his cap hits in 2025 but decreases his cap hits in the later years of the deal.

Simply put, the Jaguars are better off keeping Travon Walker around the next two years if they don't plan to extend him rather than flip him for a third-round selection. Can he improve? You bet, which is why it wouldn't be puzzling to give up on him after just three seasons.

Grade: C-

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