The Jacksonville Jaguars moved on from several players this offseason but chose to keep offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen. The move made sense because he delivered when he was thrust into action. However, it looks like they could end up losing him to the Seattle Seahawks.
Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports that the Hawks are showing interest in Van Lanen, pointing out that they had him for a visit not long ago.
Seahawks GM John Schneider says on appearance on @SeattleSports the team had offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen in for a visit this week. Van Lanen is a restricted free agent and was given an original round tender by Jacksonville in March of $3.26 million.
— Bob Condotta (@bcondotta) March 26, 2025
Players with fewer than four accrued seasons are restricted free agents, and teams have a chance to place a one-year tender on them. If another club matches it, the original team gets a draft equivalent to the tender it placed. In this case, Van Lanen got an original-round tender, meaning that the Jags would receive a sixth-round pick from Seattle if it matches the offer because he was originally drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round back in 2021.
Van Lanen was traded to the Jags back in 2022. After mostly playing offensive tackle in college, he moved inside in the pros but has since switched back to the edge.
Because Van Lanen spent most of his rookie season in the Packers squad, he only has three accrued seasons. This is why he got the original round tender from the Jags just before the start of free agency. The former Wisconsin Badger became the primary backup at offensive tackle when Jacksonville shipped Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings. He ended up playing 252 snaps and giving up just one sack and nine total pressures just last season.
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Losing Cole Van Lanen to the Seahawks comes with a few benefits for the Jaguars
Already, the Jacksonville Jaguars have two picks in Round 6. However, they could use the extra aamo they would potentially get from the Seattle Seahawks to take a chance on a player or to move up in the draft. But aside from the extra selection, the team's brass would free up $3.4 million in cap space. And while the Jags aren't hurting for money, they could later use extra savings to bolster another position. Moreover, the Jags can withstand Van Lanen's potential departure.
After all, the front office beefed up the offensive line by adding Chuda Edoga during the legal tampering period and later signing Fred Johnson in the second wave of free agency. They could both compete for the swing tackle job if Van Lanen leaves. Neither is a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but both would be capable replacements.
If that wasn't enough, Jacksonville would be freeing a roster spot, one they could devote to a draft pick, an undrafted free agent, or a player who tries out. Either way, letting Cole Van Lanen gives the team ample flexibility.
Granted, you never want to lose capable players, but the Jaguars have the depth to withstand Cole Van Lanen's potential departure.