The Jacksonville Jaguars checked off a massive box when they gave Walker Little a contract extension. Having locked up the left tackle for the next three years, the team's brass will be able to address needs next offseason. Sure, the Jags could've found a cheaper replacement in the 2025 draft but didn't want to take a risk with a proven commodity in place. This begs the question, how does their cap space look after giving Little an extension?
Before the team gave the Stanford Cardinal a three-year deal worth $45 million with $26 million guaranteed, it was projected to have a bit over $61 million in space for 2025. Add $19 million from this year that could roll over into the next, and the Jags would have tentatively had around $70 million in cap room.
A new deal in Jacksonville hours before today’s game vs. Houston: Jaguars are signing their starting left tackle Walker Little to a three-year, $45 million extension that includes $26 million guaranteed, per sources. The deal ties Little to Jacksonville through the 2027 season. pic.twitter.com/42ICzR88VN
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 1, 2024
Jacksonville is yet to announce how the contract is structured but the $26 million guaranteed will probably be paid in a bonus that will be spread through 2026 and 2027. For the sake of the argument, let's say Walker Little has a cap number of $10 million next year. That would still leave the Jaguars with ample cap space to address other needs. Add the fact that they could release players such as wide receiver Christian Kirk, or cornerback Ronald Darby, and Little's deal isn't cost-prohibitive at all.
We have signed OL Walker Little to a contract extension.⁰⁰#DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/NaLZtuOPax
— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 1, 2024
So now that the Jaguars have locked up Trevor Lawrence's blindside protector for the foreseeable future, what's next?
The Jaguars can focus on signing Andre Cisco, and other players scheduled to hit free agency
The Jaguars have already locked up several members of their 2021 draft class: Trevor Lawrence, cornerback Tyson Campbell, and Walker Little. Running back Travis Etienne, safety Andre Cisco, or tight end Luke Farrell could be next. On a related note, defensive tackle Jay Tufele (fourth round), Jordan Smith (fourth round), and wide receiver Jalen Camp (sixth round) are no longer with the team.
Etienne got the fifth-year option on his rookie deal picked up, so the Jaguars could wait until 2026 to give him an extension. This makes sense when you take into account that he's set to make a manageable $6.1 million next year.
On the other hand, signing Luke Farrell wouldn't be cost-prohibitive. The former Ohio State standout has developed into a solid blocking tight end. The biggest question mark of the bunch could be Andre Cisco.
The former Syracuse Orangeman was expected to have a breakout year after registering a combined seven interceptions and 15 passes defensed the past two years. However, he's been unremarkable in 2024. At this point, it's hard to see him getting a contract like the ones Antoine Winfield Jr. or Kyle Dugger signed in the offseason, so his best bet may be to see what kind of market he has in free agency next year.
That said, the Jaguars have ample space to re-sign Cisco if they choose to. If they let him walk, though, they'll be in a position to address other needs in free agency.