![Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) is introduced before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars edged the Colts on a field goal 37-34. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_crop,x_0,y_757,w_3990,h_2244/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/images/ImagnImages/mmsport/55/01jr8q11rw1nsn0s7w70.jpg "Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) is introduced before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars edged the Colts on a field goal 37-34. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]")
The Jacksonville Jaguars are mostly focused on the 2025 NFL Draft. However, that didn't stop them from turning their attention to one of their building blocks and ensuring he's part of their long-term plans.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Jacksonville is exercising the fifth-year option on Travon Walker's rookie deal. As of this writing, it's uncertain if they'll do the same with linebacker Devin Lloyd, but by picking up the option, the Jags are ensuring that Walker doesn't become a free agent until 2027.
The first overall pick in the 2022 draft, Walker got off to a slow start to his NFL career but has shown notable progress the past two seasons, registering a combined 20.5 sacks. He's set to count $11.8 million against the cap next season and will make an affordable $14.5 million in 2026.
Earlier this offseason, Walker routinely was brought up as potential trade target, but the Jaguars should shut down all chatter about potentially shopping him by picking up the option.
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What's next for the Jaguars and Travon Walker?
As expected, the Jaguars picked up Travon Walker's fifth-year option but they shouldn't stop there. They must next turn their attention to getting an extension done.
Head coach Liam Coen told the press corps at the 2025 NFL Owners Meeting that the team and the former Georgia Bulldog have had conversations about a potential extension. However, he didn't provide a timeframe. Working in their favor is that the Jags have two years to get something done. On the other hand, the sooner they do it, the better.
After all, price tags for pass rushers will continue to go up. Myles Garrett just signed a deal that pays him an annual average of $40 million. Of course, Walker isn't in the same echelon as the 2023 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. That said, he's raising the bar. Fellow pass rushers Maxx Crosby and Danielle Hunter are making more than $35 million per year.
Moreover, Micah Parsons, Trey Hendrickson, and Aidan Hutchinson are also in line for new deals, and all three will keep pushing the bar even higher. This is to say that Jacksonville should give Walker a contract deal as soon as possible. After all, he could play the 2025 and 2026 seasons on his rookie deal, but the Jags would run the risk of having to give him an even bigger contract if he breaks out.
It's also important to note that by giving Walker an extension right now, the team's brass can structure in a way that spreads the cap hit and gives them lots of flexibility.
The bottom line is that the picking up the fifth-year option was the first step. Now, the Jaguars must ensure one of their most prominent players doesn't go anywhere.
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