Could the Jaguars Trade Their Key Defender Despite a Successful 2025 Season?
2025 has not been an ideal season for star pass rusher Travon Walker. His season has been riddled with injuries, including a knee issue that caused him to miss multiple weeks. After posting back-to-back seasons with double-digit sacks, Walker has recorded just 2.5 sacks in 10 games this season. Despite missing one of their key defenders for extended stretches, the Jaguars have continued to win. The team sits in first place in the division with a 9-4 record, which has raised questions about how crucial Walker truly is to the franchise’s success. Although the trade deadline has passed for the 2025 season, Jacksonville has yet to offer Walker a contract extension, and his current deal is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season. If the Jaguars continue without plans to extend him, trading Walker before his value declines or he reaches free agency could become a logical option.
Last season, the Philadelphia Eagles showed strong interest in acquiring Walker from Jacksonville. The Eagles would look to add him to a defense that already features Jalen Carter. strengthening their pass rush further. The Washington Commanders are another team believed to be monitoring Walker’s availability. The central question remains whether Jacksonville is willing to move him. The Jaguars’ defense has taken a noticeable step forward this season under new defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile. The unit ranks second in the league in takeaways, an area that had long been an issue in Duval County. Even with Walker limited this season, questions remain about who would replace his role in the defense. That uncertainty could push Jacksonville toward retaining Walker, as teams often prefer a known commodity over an unproven replacement.
Another major consideration is what general manager James Gladstone would seek in return for a player of Walker’s caliber. Multiple draft picks would likely be required, potentially including at least a second- and third-round pick along with an NFL-ready player. Walker was a former first overall selection, and the Jaguars would likely set a high asking price on the trade market. That could lead to discussions involving a first-round pick, something teams like the Commanders may be hesitant to surrender given their current top 10 draft positioning. Jacksonville is also facing financial considerations, as the team projects to have roughly $8 million in cap space next season. Trading Walker would free up approximately $15 million, while also providing flexibility to address other pending free agents. It is one of several major questions the Jaguars will need to answer this offseason as they balance success in the present with planning for the future.
