Walker Little's deal may be a sign Trent Baalke's job with Jaguars isn't in jeopardy

The Jacksonville Jaguars gave Walker Little a contract extension hours before the Week 13 game against the Houston Texans. This isn't surprising when you take into account that the fourth-year left tackle has played well after replacing Cam Robinson. Having said that, one overlooked aspect of the deal is that general manager Trent Baalke may be on firmer ground than originally thought.

Not long after the Jags signed Little to a three-year deal worth $45 million, Adam Schefter of ESPN reported that the move is a sign that Baalke could remain with the team beyond 2024.

"Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke was heavily involved in the negotiations, trying to solidify Jacksonville's future. Questions and speculation have swirled for weeks about the future of Baalke and coach Doug Pederson. Along with preparing for the game Sunday, Baalke also is making long-term decisions that will impact the future of the franchise.

One executive from another team said Little's deal is a sign that Baalke is planning to stick with the Jaguars, despite all the uncertainty that has surrounded the team."

Earlier this year, Jacksonville gave extensions to Trevor Lawrence, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, and cornerback Tyson Campbell. Little's contract is the first one the organization got done during the season during the Trent Baalke era.

This is noteworthy because Baalke has refused to negotiate in-season deals and has waited until the offseason to engage in contract talks. In fact, that's one of the reasons that getting an extension done with Hines-Allen took longer than it should have.

Perhaps the Walker Little deal will give Baalke a bit of leeway and will help him make a case to keep his job. In light of the team's 2-9 record, he's been rumored to be on the chopping block. Ahead of the Detroit Lions game, Josina Anderson of The Athletic reported that the general manager and head coach Doug Pederson would probably get the boot if the Jags got embarrassed. But despite losing 52-6, owner Shad Khan didn't make changes.

While Jacksonville could still dismiss Pederson and Baalke after the season, signing Little may be a sign they'll remain in place. But in the same breath, it may not mean much at the end of the day.

Why the the Walker Little deal may not be an indicator the Jaguars will keep Trent Baalke

Giving Walker Little has raised eyebrows around the league. Not because the Stanford Cardinal didn't deserve it. He did, but because of the timing of the move. Here's Jamal St. Cyr of News4Jax reacting to the news:

And here's Brent Martineau of Action Sports Jax sharing his thoughts.

As you can see, their reactions center on the fact that Baalke made an in-season deal, not that it was a bad move. Having said that, there's no guarantee the Jaguars will retain the general manager even after locking up Trevor Lawrence's blindside protector.

One argument that has made the round on social media is that Shad Khan gave Baalke the general manager the green light to get the Walker Little deal done, but that doesn't prove much. At best, the owner allows Baalke to operate how sees fit regardless of his job status. At worst, Khan is so detached from the team that he doesn't know what's going on. Both are plausible scenarios and would explain the odd timing of the extension.

In the end, this is a fluid situation, and just because the Jaguars haven't dismissed Trent Baalke, it doesn't mean that they will keep him after 2024. Moreover, it shouldn't overshadow the news that a player as talented as Walker Little got rewarded.

More Jaguars analysis here: