Jaguars eye long-term deals for rising stars Walker, Washington, and Strange. Securing this promising trio now could be crucial for future success.
The Jacksonville Jaguars have begun preliminary contract-extension discussions with three of their top-line players -- defensive end Travon Walker, receiver Parker Washington, and tight end Brenton Strange, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco.
Jacksonville opted to use their fifth-year option last spring for Walker, keeping their first overall pick from 2022 under contract for 2025 and 2026. The 25-year-old Georgia native is guaranteed an estimated $15.2 million salary this year.
At the NFL's annual league meeting taking place this week in Phoenix, Arizona, the Jaguars VP of football operations, Tony Boselli, praised all three players, but stressed the team would love to extend Walker long-term.
"Obviously Travon missed a few games and probably didn't put the numbers up he wanted because of the injuries, but when you watch him play, you know he's a really good player," Boselli told Action Sports Jax on Wednesday.
Walker has proven himself as one of the best up-and-coming edges in the NFL, worthy of a max extension a la star edge Aiden Hutchinson, who the Detroit Lions last fall extended for four years and $180 million.
After recording 10 or more sacks in both 2023 and 2024, Walker finished last season with his lowest sack total (3.5) since his rookie year. Appearing in 14 games, and starting 12, Walker totaled 38 tackles (18 solo). Those stats are far off the marks of his previous two seasons, when he finished with 52 tackles (21 solo) in 2023 and 61 tackles (30) in 2024.
Just playing ball last season was rough, as Walker dealt with multiple injuries. The 6-foot-5, 292-pounder injured his left wrist in Week 4's road win over the San Francisco 49ers. Following surgery, he returned to practice within days, outfitted with a short, fingerless black cast that reporters quickly took to calling a club. But swelling under the cast sidelined Walker again, and he didn't return for Week 5 and was limited for weeks afterward.
In Week 11, still getting up to speed, Walker suffered a left knee injury against the Los Angeles Chargers that forced him out of the game and out of practice for another two weeks. Essentially, the former Georgia Bulldog was collared by injuries, pain, and recovery for fully half of the season.
Walker, in a locker room interview after the Jags lost to the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs on Jan. 11, said his injuries took a toll on him.
"Playing with one hand as a defensive lineman, it's hard to do certain things," Walker said. "But I definitely tried to do my best within what I could do with limited range of motion, things of that nature."
Boselli stressed Wednesday the franchise wants Walker, Strange and Washington "to be Jaguars," while saying that the players' and team's "complete focus" is on 2026.
Washington burst onto the scene for the Jags last season, hauling in 58 catches for 847 yards and five touchdowns. Towards the end of the season, Washington became Jags quarterback Trevor Lawrences' go-to target, ending the regular season with three games of 85 yards or more, while finding the end zone twice.
In the Jaguars' loss to the Bills in January, Washington caught seven passes for 107 yards and a touchdown.
The former sixth-round pick enters next season as the Jaguars’ WR3, lining up alongside Brian Thomas Jr. and Jakobi Meyers.
However, Washington has shown the ability to become Lawrence’s favorite target, raising the question of whether the team should move quickly on an extension.
Washington is currently set to play out the final year of his rookie deal, earning an estimated $3.7 million. If Washington produces another impressive season, he will be in line for a major payday.
General manager James Gladstone has expressed optimism about extending Washington, Walker and Strange this offseason, saying the Jaguars are "probably within striking distance to see things come to light."
Strange also is entering the final year of his rookie deal.
Strange stepped into a full-time starting role in 2025, setting career highs in catches (46) and receiving yards (540), and adding three touchdowns.
The former Penn State product was a pleasant surprise for a Jags TE room that entered the season with just 23 career catches outside of Strange.
Strange is currently set to play out his rookie deal and will earn an estimated $1.5 million this season.
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