Next Jaguars candidate for a contract extension is abundantly clear

One big reason the Jacksonville Jaguars opted not to go on a spending spree in free agency is that they'll soon have to start giving extensions to players entering contract years. Their 2023 draft class has produced several key contributors, and it would make sense to start locking them up.

Picking offensive tackle Anton Harrison's fifth-year option should be a no-brainer, as the Jags would have him under contract through 2027. That, in turn, will give the team a bit of cushion to work with. On the other hand, Jacksonville will need to make decisions on wide receiver Parker Washington, tight end Brenton Strange, and safety Antonio Johnson.

All three bring plenty of value to the table, but the most obvious choice to get extended is a no-brainer.

Brenton Strange became a mainstay for the Jaguars in 2025

The Jaguars cut ties with Evan Engram last year, even though he had been a mainstay of the offense the past three seasons. Getting nearly $6 million in cap relief played a role in the decision, but the presence of Brenton Strange also played a role.

Although Strange didn't do much of note as a rookie, he came through when he filled in for Engram, reeling in 40 receptions for 411 yards. Couple that with the fact that he was a much better blocker, and it's easy to see why Jacksonville rolled with the former Penn State Nittany Lion.

Strange brougth an element of physicality the Jags had been missing for years, making it clear that he enjoyed setting the tone.

Even though Strange missed five games with a hip injury, he still managed to catch a career-best 46 receptions for 516 yards with three touchdowns. His average catch from reception also went from 10.3 to 11.7. Granted, he didn't get as many targets as Engram did during his stint with the Jags, but that's because Liam Coen's scheme didn't ask him to.

With another season in Coen's system, Strange should have no trouble building off his promising 2025.

Why the Jaguars need to extend Brenton Strange ASAP

Brenton Strange is entering a contract year. If he once again has a banner season, his stock will go up, and it will be harder to give him an extension. This doesn't mean that the Jaguars cannot give him a new deal in 2027, but the longer they wait, the higher the chance they'll need to fork out more money.

That's why it would make sense for the Jags to give Strange an extension. They wouldn't get much cap relief in 2026, as he has a base salary of $1.483 million. That said, they could add years to his future contract and spread the cap hit through several years in a way that gives them roster flexibility.

Granted, the Jaguars may want to wait until the regular season to see how Strange performs. But even then, it wouldn't be too late to give him a new deal. Last year, the team's brass showed that it's not afraid to give extensions midseason when it signed offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen and wide receiver Jakobi Meyer to new deals.

The Jaguars probably won't make a splash any time soon because they'll prioritize re-signing their homegrown talent. Don't be surprised if they start with Brenton Strange.