On April 7th, 2025, the Jacksonville Jaguars exercised the fifth-year option of former number one overall selection Travon Walker. They followed that up by allowing Liam Coen to state in his most recent press conference that they were contemplating exercising former 27th overall selection Devin Lloyd’s fifth-year option. They want to continue to get to know him as a person, and dive more into his film evaluation. Both of these transactions impact the Jaguars long term future, so let’s dive in.
Travon Walker Impact
Travon Walker’s fifth-year option is worth 14.75 million for the 2026 season, a bargain for a top notch EDGE 2 in the NFL. This was a no-brainer following back-to-back double digit sack seasons. Walker has performed up to par for a 1st round selection, dare I say, top 5 selection. But, fans are in disagreement that he has been number one overall worthy. Giving Travon the fifth-year extension gives the team grace in terms of contract negotiations (which has been confirmed to have begun). And, allows for Travon to stick around in Duval potentially for the first 10 years of his career.
What Could Walker Earn?
Walker has been an impact play maker, and the Jaguars have seen improvements in all facets of his play each of the past three seasons. He has been a game plan wrecker across from recently 28.25 million per year paid EDGE Josh Hines-Allen. Can he make the leap to superstardom in year four? That will determine whether he makes 22-26 million per year or 27-32 million per year. Travon has a chance to move the needle with his play, the Jaguars extend their extension deadline while evaluating him, and both parties could come to the best terms sooner than later.
Devin Lloyd Impact
Devin Lloyd is the perfect example of how poor development programs were under former Head Coach Doug Pederson. Lloyd came into the program in 2022 as a stack linebacker who was phenomenal operating sideline to sideline, and could rush the passer but needed to improve diagnosing in man/zone coverage. We enter the 2025-26 season with the same analysis of Lloyd and with draft pundits suggesting the Jaguars draft a similar yet smaller player in Jalon Walker at fifth overall. Lloyd is a phenomenal tackler, and has shown slight improvements, but has yet to look like a slam dunk trade up selection.
With Lloyd’s fifth-year option in limbo, he could potentially play the 2025-26 season in a make or break scenario. This also has an impact on the linebacker core as a whole, Oluokon has an out in his contract after this season; while Muma is an expiring contract. All three players were acquired in the 2022 offseason and have led to the linebacker position labeled as an area they did not need to acquire players at. This could change very quickly. It could impact the draft in which they decide to go linebacker earlier than expected if it’s the best player on James Gladstone’s and Liam Coen’s prospective board come draft night.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this debacle amongst both players performance since the 2022 draft displays that Gladstone is 1. Not attached to players from Baalke’s regime of course. 2. They will continue to evaluate their roster until May 1st, post the 2025 NFL draft, and the deadline for fifth-year extensions. And 3. Linebacker could turn into a bigger need than expected for the Jaguars very quickly if they decide to move on from Lloyd and Oluokon barring their performance this season. We will continue to keep you informed on this situation and look forward to providing you coverage on YOUR Jacksonville Jaguars.
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