Jaguars Coach Coen Looks to Limit Starters' Preseason Snaps

Jaguars DE Travon Walker Signs 4-Year Extension, Embraces Versatility

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:29pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field and players, with sharp, overlapping planes of teal, gold, and navy blue representing the Jaguars' team colors and the team's focus on versatility and innovation.The Jaguars' innovative approach to the preseason aims to maximize player safety and preparation without sacrificing on-field intensity.Phoenix Today

Jaguars head coach Liam Coen said the team plans to limit the playing time of starters in preseason games going forward, instead focusing on joint practices with other teams to prepare for the regular season. Coen also discussed the possibility of an annual preseason game against his former team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Additionally, defensive end Travon Walker signed a four-year contract extension with the Jaguars and expressed his willingness to play in different positions to help the team.

Why it matters

Coen's comments on reducing preseason snaps for starters reflect a league-wide trend, as teams look to find safer ways to prepare for the regular season without risking injury to key players. Walker's contract extension and versatility are also important for the Jaguars, as they look to maximize the production of their 2022 first-overall draft pick.

The details

Coen said the Jaguars will likely schedule more joint practices with other teams in the future, allowing starters to get extensive work in a controlled environment rather than playing too much in preseason games. The team played its starters sparingly in the 2023 preseason, with the starters seeing about a series in Week 1 and two series in Week 2 before sitting out the final preseason game. Coen also expressed interest in an annual preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, his former team, with the ability to hold joint practices leading up to the game. Meanwhile, defensive end Travon Walker signed a four-year contract extension with the Jaguars on Saturday. Walker, the 2022 first-overall pick, said he's fine with the team continuing to use him as an interior pass rusher, as they did late last season, noting his desire to be versatile and help the team in any way possible.

  • The Jaguars played their starters sparingly in the 2023 preseason, with the starters seeing about a series in Week 1 and two series in Week 2 before sitting out the final preseason game.
  • Jaguars head coach Liam Coen discussed the team's preseason plans at the NFL 2026 Annual League Meetings in Phoenix, Arizona.
  • Defensive end Travon Walker signed a four-year contract extension with the Jaguars on Saturday.

The players

Liam Coen

The Jaguars' second-year head coach who believes in limiting starters' playing time in preseason games and focusing on joint practices with other teams.

Travon Walker

The Jaguars' defensive end who signed a four-year contract extension and is willing to play in different positions to help the team.

Jason Licht

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' general manager, who Coen discussed the possibility of an annual preseason game between the Jaguars and Buccaneers.

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What they’re saying

“[Buccaneers General Manager] Jason [Licht], we were talking about it this weekend [before the league meetings]. That would be awesome. It just makes too much sense. You want to be cost effective in terms of the way you operate, so it just makes way too much sense for us to not have a standing preseason game. Whether it's a joint practice, game throughout the preseason it just kind of makes too much sense.”

— Liam Coen, Jaguars Head Coach

“I think I could have an impact wherever they put me. I don't care if they put me in the secondary. It's all about versatility in this league. It's all about just being versatile, do whatever I need to do to help the team.”

— Travon Walker, Jaguars Defensive End

“Not saying that I was really too concerned about it. I know it was going to happen regardless of however much or whatever. Just having it out of the way, the money part, all of the talks about the money, it's just time to go play ball now. I don't have to think about any of that.”

— Travon Walker, Jaguars Defensive End

What’s next

The Jaguars will look to finalize their preseason schedule, including the possibility of an annual game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with joint practices leading up to the matchup. The team will also continue to monitor Travon Walker's development and versatility as he enters his fifth NFL season.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' approach to the preseason reflects a league-wide trend of prioritizing player safety and preparation over extensive game action. Meanwhile, Travon Walker's contract extension and willingness to play multiple positions demonstrates the team's commitment to building a versatile and productive defense.