The Jacksonville Jaguars could still trade defensive end Travon Walker despite giving him a fifth-year option. According to a report, the Jaguars will be keeping Walker through the 2026 season but won’t be giving him a new contract extension. It seems odd they would do that, but the Jaguars are rebuilding a new regime as they moved on from former head coach Doug Pederson this offseason. Jacksonville doesn’t have the cap space to give Walker a new contract, so it’s still possible the team could trade him for some draft capital, especially for this year.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, the former Georgia product has been flashing as one of the better pass rushers in the league. The Jaguars did bet on Walker over Aidan Hutchinson when Jacksonville selected him in the draft, but the pass rusher is proving everyone else in the NFL wrong. After coming in as a rookie, Walker operated as a full-time starter, recording 3.5 sacks and 21 quarterback pressures. While the Jaguars may extend Walker, probably in a few seasons, there are already pass rushers that have reset the market, like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett.
Despite that, some teams may pursue Walker since they were fielding trade calls from before and these five rosters could make an offer.
REPORT: Jaguars Use Fifth-Year Option on 24-Sack Edge Rusher Travon Walker – Could Still Trade Him?
Next Possible Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Last season, the Baltimore Ravens had one of the slowest starts on defense despite showing signs of life towards the end. Since losing Jadeveon Clowney, the team needs a capable edge rusher to get after the quarterback. Nnamdi Madubuike is still playing at his peak, but the same can’t be said about Broderick Washington. Walker is the clear answer for a Super Bowl push, so it could benefit the Ravens to add to their defensive trenches.
Los Angeles Chargers
Speaking of the trenches, head coach Jim Harbaugh loves to play a physical, old-school defense. However, the weapons they have now on their defensive line don’t look promising after adding journeyman Da’Shawn Hand. Even though they’re bringing back Teair Tart, he won’t have the same results since Poona Ford left for a greater contract. The Chargers have enough cap space to facilitate a Walker trade, so the team should trigger one to boost the chances of Khalil Mack having an outpouring season.
New Orleans Saints
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Saints would need to figure out how to pay for Walker. The good news is that he’s still under a rookie contract, so it might be manageable. The team did re-sign Chase Young and signed Justin Reid, so anything is possible to trade for Walker.
Kansas City Chiefs
Even though Charles Omenihu is returning, he and defensive tackle Chris Jones could use some stability on the defensive line. George Karlaftis has long-term potential, but Mike Danna is returning, so the Chiefs should be in good business. However, it’s never a bad thing to start thinking about the defensive line’s future, as Danna could be playing out his one-year deal and sign elsewhere next off-season.
Carolina Panthers
After rebuilding the offense, the Carolina Panthers have been putting in work for the defense, signing Tershawn Wharton. It means good news for Derrick Brown, who is returning from his injury. However, they could use some of a boost on the edge, as Walker is more than capable of filling the hole.
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