During the regular season, the Jacksonville Jaguars exceeded expectations as they won 13 games en route to a division title. The 13 wins were the most for Jacksonville since the 1999 season. It did not amount to postseason success as the team lost 27-24 to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round.
Now, for better or worse, the expectations have risen in Jacksonville. The team will look to build on their regular season success and achieve success when it matters most. Jacksonville’s success in 2025 took the league by storm, and that won’t happen again as the league knows what to expect now. They have taken notice and interest in how the Jaguars turned their franchise around. That result has led to other front offices looking to the Jaguars offensive and defensive coordinator in head coaching interviews.
Jacksonville Jaguars Projected to Part Ways With Key Starter
Additionally, the Jaguars will not look the same as they have a number of impending free agents and several players who may become cap casualties. One of those key players is left tackle Walker Little, who started 14 games for the Jaguars for the 2025 season. However, Sports Illustrated’s Jared Feinberg listed him as one of the Jaguars’ players who might be a cap casualty.
Feinberg wrote, “Little’s contract is tough to navigate after a terrible 2025 season, where he was one of the league leaders in pressures allowed and seemed to be a liability. However, he showcased some flashes at guard late in the season, which could serve as a new pathway in his career, but it might not be in Jacksonville, as his cap savings hit could intrigue Gladstone to move him if other teams believe he could contribute by taking a chance at his physical and athletic profile.”
Feinberg’s description of Little’s 2025 season as terrible makes sense as he allowed nine sacks, which was the third most by a tackle in the NFL. Additionally, Pro Football Focus gave him a 62.7 overall grade. They ranked him the 58th tackle out of 89 qualified. It marked a step down for Little, as he posted a 72.8 overall grade in the 2024 season where he graded as an above-average pass and run blocker. His strong 2024 performance earned him a contract extension, but after his disappointing 2025 that may be something the Jaguars want to move off of.
Little’s Trade Possibilities
Moving off would likely net the Jaguars a small return, unless Jacksonville was willing to take on some of his contract. However, doing that would negate the purpose of moving him in the first place. He’s currently set to carry a $14.5 million cap hit for the Jaguars in 2026.
Jacksonville could opt to hope Little improves in the second year of Liam Coen’s system. They would then have an easier decision on his contract as it features a potential out after the 2026 season. Cutting him now is likely off the table as it would generate $18 million in dead money for Jacksonville. However, that figure would only be $4 million in dead money after the 2026 season.
Jaguars Projected to Cut Ties With $14 Million Starter