JACKSONVILLE – Let's get to it …
Shawn from Moore County, NC
Do you think the reason Walker hasn't been re-signed yet is because the front office wants to see how the draft unfolds? Maybe he finds a replacement there. Did the Jags pick up Anton's fifth-year option?
Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker, the No. 1 overall selection by the team in the 2022 NFL Draft, is eligible for a contract extension – and this absolutely could happen this offseason. I expect from all past conversations with Walker that he very much wants to remain with the Jaguars. I also expect that the Jaguars' key decision-makers very much want to re-sign Walker. Those circumstances are why I think the reason Walker hasn't re-signed yet is simply that the sides haven't agreed on a deal – and I think the reason they haven't agreed on a deal is because this is going to be one of the most expensive, significant re-signings in franchise history. Those sorts of deals don't happen in one or two phone calls or a quick text in a group chat. I do not think the Jaguars' front office is waiting to see how the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds to determine their approach with Walker, because I think the front office is well aware that the chances of finding a replacement for Walker at No. 56 overall – or even much, much earlier – are slim. And I do not in any way think the Jaguars are looking for a replacement for Walker. As for right tackle Anton Harrison … because the Jaguars selected him No. 27 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, they have the right this offseason to exercise a fifth-year option on his rookie contract for the 2027 season – which would be Harrison's fifth season. The Jaguars have not yet done this. My understanding is they absolutely will do this at some point before the May 1 deadline to do so.
Stephen from Fruit Cove-Jaguar Den
"The Jaguars at No. 56 overall will have to spend a lot to get into the bottom of Round 1." It's a good thing we have "a lot" to spend. Here's hoping again!
This references a recent O-Zone answer in which I was asked if the Jaguars could possibly select University of Georgia linebacker C.J. Allen in the 2026 NFL Draft. I answered that it was unlikely because Allen is expected to be selected late in the first round – and it's true "the Jaguars at No. 56 overall will have to spend a lot to get into the bottom of Round 1." The Jaguars do have a lot of draft capital to spend if they want to trade up the 25 or so spots necessary to get from No. 56 overall in Round 1. While you seem to hope this happens, remember: The Jaguars might have to trade more than one or two of their three '26 third-round selections – perhaps all three – along with the No. 56 selection to make such a trade. That's a loooot of draft equity – and a lot of players – for a late first-round selection. This may be a case in which not spending is the best way to spend. Or not. Stay tuned.
Woody from Dunlap
KOAF: Do the fans who question the value of having Travon Walker really watch what he does, play after play? When the Jaguars are on defense, I regularly focus on Travon and the player opposite him first before finding the ball myself. Travon truly is, as future Hall of Fame and former Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said, "A guy who wrecks a lot of things. He plays with a violent playstyle. He's a wrecking ball." Travon has to be in the Top 5 "Tough Guys" in pro football. He could have pointed to having to play much of 2025 with one hand and a less-than-healthy leg as to why his sacks dipped, but to my knowledge he never used these as an excuse. The man is a throwback to a time when it was a matter of pride in your toughness to refuse to come out of a game even when injured. Teammates like Travon elevate everyone around him. I would seriously question the sanity of our front office if they even allowed the thought of trading Travon to enter their brains for even a nanosecond.
The Jaguars identify as a tough team. Toughness was a major reason they were 13-4 last season. Few players on the Jaguars' roster define toughness like Walker.
Charles from Riverside
Hello, John. You mentioned no way do we lose Armstead. Here is an interesting note from the Florida Times-Union: "Jacksonville's best pass rusher inside was defensive tackle Arik Armstead, who finished the year with 5.5 sacks and 34 pressures – the second-most on the team. Beyond that, defensive end Dawuane Smoot, who played both inside and outside in Jacksonville's scheme, totaled just 16 pressures (according to the NFL's NextGenStats)." Wondering, conversely on the offensive line, which player stands out in regard to least pressures and/or sacks allowed? And any thoughts on who you believe is the best O line player on the roster today?
To my recollection, I never said "no way" do the Jaguars lose defensive tackle Arik Armstead this offseason. I do recall writing that I expect he will be on the Jaguars' roster in September. Jaguars tackle Cole Van Lanen according to SISdatahub.com allowed just one sack on 327 passing attempts in 2025. Does that make Van Lanen the best offensive line on the Jaguars' roster? Not necessarily. The Jaguars' offensive line from this view is a balanced group, without any one player standing out all that much from the others.
Howard from Homestead, FL
Are Jaguars scouts attending any Pro Days? I heard Vanderbilt announced that the Jags were the only team not present for theirs.
Yes, Jaguars scouts are attending Pro Days this offseason. This doesn't mean they attend every Pro Day.
Jim from Beaches from Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
Thinking Sinner to win Miami Open tennis tournament? Who's your horse in this race?
It's hard to see Jannik Sinner of Italy not winning this tournament. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain was upset by Sebastian "Sebby" Korda of the United States early in the tournament – and when either Sinner or Alcaraz is out of a tournament these days, there's rarely much reason to predict anyone except the other winning. Those two are dominating the sport to an unusual degree. But if you're tuning in on your Tennis Channel app, keep an eye out this spring for Daniil Medvedev. He's far and away my favorite current male player – and he's playing well again. Fingers crossed for success this year for the closest thing this era has to Johnny Mac.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Do you expect the Stadium of the Future to exceed the technology and fan experience of every other stadium to date? (Until the next new stadium is built to exceed it, too) I am wondering what they're going for. A state-of-the-art, never-before-seen environment? Or just something really, really cool we can be incredibly proud to call home. I guess why not both. Based on the Kismet alone, we know Jaguars Owner Shad Khan likes nice things.
I'm not sure how to measure exceeding "the technology and fan experience of every other stadium to date." I expect the Jaguars' Stadium of the Future when it opens in 2028 will bring the fan experience and technology in line with the rest of the NFL – and that's a significant jump in those areas from EverBank Stadium in recent seasons. It will be cool. Really cool.
Brad from Duuuval
"Hope is a good thing — maybe the best of things. And no good thing ever dies." This reminds me of a film, I think it was called The EverBank Redemption. Or something.
I'm not sure I follow.
Josh from Atlanta, GA
Who would you tab as the best offensive, defensive and special teams player in the NFL? Regardless of position, zero fantasy football related. I want to know who you think is the single best player at each. Thank you for your service.
I guess I would go with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes or Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen as the best NFL's best offensive players. I suppose you have to go with Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett or Green Bay Packers edge Micah Parsons on defense. Or so.
James from Titusville, NJ
What makes one a senior writer? This implies that there are junior writers on staff. If there are no other writers and you are the only writer, shouldn't your title be simply, "Writer?" Or are there other writers and all their writings must go through the Senior Writer? I'm certain you're not the only writer, but I am curious as to who the other writers are so I may be on the lookout for their published pieces, too.
At my age, you don't need a junior to be a senior.
