The Jacksonville Jaguars were aware in the offseason that they were going to need to beef up the offensive trenches if they wanted Trevor Lawrence to bounce back. That's why nobody batted an eye when they made several moves to improve his protection up front. Most of the changes paid off, and the No. 16 has stayed upright for the most part.
But just because the offensive line is playing well doesn't mean that the team's brass shouldn't make further tweaks in the offseason. In fact, left tackle could turn out to be a big priority based on how things unfolded in 2025.
The Jaguars will need to decide what to do with Walker Little
After holding onto a reserve role early in his career, Walker Little was promoted to the starting lineup when the Jags traded Cam Robinson to the Minnesota Vikings at the 2024 deadline. Not long after, the former Stanford Cardinal got a three-year deal worth $45 million. At the time, it seemed like the right call, as Little held his own at left tackle. However, the decision didn't age particularly well.
Little struggled early in 2025 and was eventually benched in favor of Cole Van Lanen. He eventually returned to the lineup when he filled in for Patrick Mekari at right guard. That was going to be his chance to prove that he deserves to be part of the team's plans beyond this season. Unfortunately, the 2021 second-round pick came crashing down.
In Week 17, Little gave up four total pressures and posted a measly Pro Football Focus overall grade of 35.5. The game prior, he gave up three. You could make the case that he was playing out of position, but Van Lanen has fared well just everywhere he's lined up this season. When you take into account that the coaching staff had their big hollies play different positions in the offseason, it's hard to justify Little's struggles.
For the season, Little given up a career-worst nine sacks and an alarming 46 total pressures. Barring injury, it's hard to see him get meaningful playing time the rest of the way.
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Walker Little is running out of chance to stick around with the Jaguars
Based on how he's played, it's hard to envision Walker Little having a featured role or even sticking around beyond 2025. That said, he could make one last impression in the finale against the Tennessee Titans.
Right guard Patrick Mekari hasn't practiced in the days ahead of the divisional matchup and could be a long shot to play. Little could once again fill in for him. The fact that it will be his third game in a row at right guard could allow him to settle and perform better than he has.
It's also worth noting that releasing Little before June 1 would accelerate a cap hit of $3.6 million and leave $18.2 million in dead money. On the other hand, trading him would create $7 million in dead money but would free up $7 million in space, so shipping him to a team in need of help at left tackle may make the most sense, even if the Jags only got a ham sandwich for him.
Ultimately, Walker Little was given plenty of opportunities to show he was the long-term answer at left tackle. He didn't rise to the occasion, and now his future with the Jaguars appears to be murky heading into the offseason.