The Jacksonville Jaguars didn't make a splash in free agency in part because they have several contract decisions looming. And just before the draft, general manager James Gladstone announced that they'll take care of one involving right tackle Anton Harrison.
Since Harrison was a first-round pick, his contract comes with a fifth-year option. Teams have until May 1 to decide whether they're going to pick it up. In the former Oklahoma Sooner's case, Gladstone says the Jags will be exercising it.
The Jaguars will be picking up Anton Harrison's 5th-year option
James Gladstone had an exchange with Ryan O'Halloran of The Florida Times-Union and said that the Jaguars will be picking Anton Harrison's option, pointing out that it will allow both sides to have contract negotiations in the future.
"As a part of that (exercised option), we'll have deeper conversations," Gladstone responded when asked about potentially extending Harrison.
Harrison had rough stretches as a rookie but also showed potential, with All-Pro defensive end Chris Jones saying that his future was bright. He regressed in 2024 and got off to a slow start to the offseason program last year. However, the Washington D.C. native managed to put it all together in 2025, giving up just one sack and 35 pressures.
After Harrison proved himself, picking up the fifth-year option is a no-brainer. It will pay him $19.07 million next year, but it also ensures that he's under contract through 2027.
In case you were wondering, there are four different tiers for the option: Basic, Playing time, One Pro Bowl, and More than One Pro Bowl. Harrison qualified for Playing time, as he's played 48 games.
Now, it hasn't become official, but based on Gladstone's remarks, it seems like announcing the option will be a matter of time and pretty much a formality.
Picking Anton Harrison's option gives the Jaguars ample continuity on the O-Line
The Jaguars will have their five starters on the offensive line from last year return in 2026, and with James Gladstone announcing that the team will be picking up Anton Harrison's fifth-year option, four of them will be locked up until 2027.
Center Robert Hainsey and right guard Patrick Mekari are signed through 2027. Cole Van Lanen just signed a three-year deal worth $54 million in 2025. The lone exception would be left tackle Ezra Cleveland, who's entering a contract year.
Of course, the Jags could release either Mekari or Hainsey before their respective contract expire. But after Gladstone's update on Harrison, it currently looks like the Jacksonville offensive line will enjoy plenty of continuity the next couple of years. That's great news for Trevor Lawrence and the running game.
By also picking up Anton Harrison's option, the Jaguars can now focus on giving extensions to wide receiver Parker Washington and tight end Brenton Strange. Both of them are entering contract years, and getting deals done would be huge. Looking back, maybe the Jags made the right call when they sat free agency out and saved a bit of money to lock up their homegrown talent.