The marketplace for NFL pass rushers exploded in expense with the new contracts for Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby and Browns defensive end Myles Garrett. Garrett became the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, with a salary topping $40 million per year just hours after Crosby went up to $35 million per year. Those numbers could continue to grow as the Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson, Cowboys’ Micah Parsons, and Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson. Teams that were interested in trading for Crosby and Garrett can no longer pursue that route, but one under-the-radar name to consider is Jaguars defensive lineman Travon Walker. While sources in Jacksonville view Walker as a long-term piece of the roster, sources with the Jaguars say they would listen and consider offers for their young defensive lineman.
The Jaguars selected Walker No. 1 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, and he has turned in two straight solid seasons. After 3.5 sacks as a rookie, Walker improved significantly in year two with 10 sacks and 52 tackles. Last year, Walker had his best season with 61 tackles and 10.5 sacks. Walker has flexibility, being able to play the three, five, or seven technique on the defensive line. To be clear, Jacksonville likes Walker, and they are not shopping for him. However, they do not feel that Walker is a dominating force like Garrett, Crosby, or Hutchinson can be. One might expect that Walker will want to be paid like Crosby or Garrett, and sources say the Jaguars would have to listen to offers and consider a trade package if it brought them a package of early-round picks. They ultimately may decide to turn down offers, and sign Walker to a massive extension.
Jacksonville feels they have a lot of holes to fill on their roster, and they need to add pieces to help get Trevor Lawrence turned around after a couple of disappointing seasons for the young franchise quarterback. In my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, I have the Jaguars upgrading their offensive line to help Lawrence. While Walker is probably going to stay a Jaguar in the long term, sources say
