Jaguars Weigh Options for $40.5 Million Tackle Investment

Walker Little's future with the team remains uncertain as Cole Van Lanen recovers from injury.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 10:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football field with overlapping shapes and planes in the Jaguars' teal and gold colors, conceptually representing the complex decisions facing the team's offensive line.The Jaguars' offensive line faces an uncertain future as they weigh the value of keeping a costly tackle investment against the need for roster flexibility.Today in Jacksonville

The Jacksonville Jaguars are considering their options with offensive tackle Walker Little, who signed a 3-year, $40.5 million extension in 2024 but struggled last season and lost his starting job to Cole Van Lanen. With Van Lanen recovering from a knee injury, Little could provide valuable insurance, but the Jaguars may also look to trade or release him to free up salary cap space.

Why it matters

The Jaguars' decision on Little's future will have significant salary cap and roster implications, as they weigh the risks and benefits of keeping him versus moving on. His large contract makes him a potential trade or cut candidate, but his experience and familiarity with the team could be valuable if Van Lanen is not fully recovered by the start of the season.

The details

Little, a 2021 second-round pick, started 6 games in his first two seasons before taking over as the starting left tackle in 2025. However, he struggled, giving up 9 pressures and 50 total pressures, and was eventually benched in favor of Van Lanen. With Van Lanen recovering from a knee injury suffered late in the 2025 season, the Jaguars are considering keeping Little as insurance, but may also look to trade or release him to free up salary cap space.

  • In 2024, the Jaguars signed Little to a 3-year, $40.5 million extension.
  • In 2025, Little lost his starting job at left tackle to Cole Van Lanen.
  • Late in the 2025 season, Van Lanen suffered a knee injury.

The players

Walker Little

A 2021 second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Little signed a 3-year, $40.5 million extension in 2024 but struggled in 2025 and lost his starting job at left tackle.

Cole Van Lanen

The Jaguars' current starting left tackle, Van Lanen signed a 3-year, $51 million extension in January 2026 but is recovering from a knee injury suffered late in the 2025 season.

Trevor Lawrence

The Jaguars' starting quarterback, whose blindside protection is a key concern for the team.

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What they’re saying

“The Jacksonville Jaguars have already put the writing on the wall for Walker Little's exit. He lost his starting job at left tackle to Cole Van Lanen, who signed a three-year, $51 million extension in January.”

— Maurice Moton, Bleacher Report Writer

What’s next

The Jaguars will monitor Cole Van Lanen's recovery from his knee injury during the offseason and determine if they need to keep Walker Little as insurance or if they can trade or release him to free up salary cap space.

The takeaway

The Jaguars' decision on Walker Little's future will be a delicate balance between short-term roster needs and long-term salary cap flexibility. His large contract makes him a potential trade or cut candidate, but his experience and familiarity with the team could be valuable if Van Lanen is not fully recovered by the start of the season.