The Jacksonville Jaguars have decided that Walker Little is their left tackle of the future.
The team announced Sunday morning that it has signed left tackle Walker Little to a contract extension. Terms were not disclosed, but according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, it’s a three-year, $45 million extension through the 2027 season. The contract includes $26 million guaranteed.
Little, who was selected in the second round of the 2021 draft, has started the last four games at left tackle. The team last month traded Cam Robinson, a 2017 starter to Minnesota.
The move indicates the Jaguars will select a position other than offensive line as their first-round draft pick. The line was among the most criticized position groups during the 2-9 season, with the Jaguars offense struggling, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
However, Jaguars quarterback sacks averaged 1.75 per game since Little started, down from 2.4 per game in the first six of the season.
Little, who played at Stanford, appeared in 51 games and started 21. He saw action at both the tackle position and guard
“Walker is a homegrown talent who grew up in our system,” general manager Trent Baalke said in a statement. “Time and time again, Walker stepped up when needed, and stepped up his game at the tackle position. It’s a great opportunity for a young player who we see every day on the training ground, who we believe will play his best football in the years to come.”
Schefter’s report also said an NFL executive told him the signing was an indication that Bulke “plans to stick with the Jaguars despite all the uncertainty surrounding the team.”
Little is the fourth player to receive a long-term extension this season, the first of three from the 2021 draft class.
Earlier quarterback Trevor Lawrence (five years, $275 million), defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (five years, $141.25 million) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (four years, $76.5 million) earned their second contracts. These four player extended contracts total $575,750,000 million.
The Jaguars play host to the Houston Texans (7-5) on Sunday at 1 p.m. at EverBank Stadium.
This article originally appeared in the Florida Times-Union: Walker Little contract, salary: Jaguars give OL 3-year, $45M deal
