ESPN’s Matt Bowen is taking an early look ahead to the 2027 offseason and has put together his list of the top free agents from each position group. Included was Jacksonville Jaguars’ defensive end Travon Walker.
“Walker battled through a wrist injury last season, leading to a decline in his pass-rush production (3.5 sacks),” wrote Bowen. “However, he had at least 10 sacks and 40 pressures in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons. If Walker can stay healthy in 2026, the former No. 1 overall pick could be a problem off the edges.”
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Walker is currently set to play out the 2026 season on his fifth-year option, which GM James Gladstone picked up last offseason.
As Bowen mentioned, injuries limited Walker to appearing in just 14 games and making only 12 starts, so naturally, he wasn’t as productive, logging 44 pressures with 3.5 sacks.
But in the two years prior, Walker tallied 56 pressures in 2024 and 59 pressures in 2023. He reached double-digit sacks each year as well. In both seasons, he was top 25 among all edge rushers in total pressures, per PFF.
Not to be overlooked, either, is the well-rounded skill set Walker brings to the defensive end position with his contributions in the run game.
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Walker is a contract extension candidate for the Jaguars at this time, which would prevent him from hitting free agency next offseason. Coming to terms on a new deal this offseason would lower his 2026 salary cap hit as well.
However, that’s not a decision the Jaguars have to rush either. They can agree to a new contract at any point this season. So perhaps the Jaguars first want to see how the 2026 season unfolds for Walker.
Other notable Jaguars’ 2027 free agents
This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: 2027 NFL free agency: Jaguars’ Travon Walker among top available players
