Defensive end Travon Walker showed promise in 2023 after a quiet rookie year. Although he still has room to grow, he’s becoming a key piece for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
That’s why it was surprising when Benjamin Solak from ESPN suggested trading the 2022 first overall pick for what amounts to a ham sandwich.
Solak compiled a list of trades before the November 5 deadline and proposed that the Jaguars trade Walker to the Detroit Lions, hinting Jacksonville might still be sellers despite their first win of the season.
His justification for trading Walker, a former Georgia Bulldog, is his inconsistency, though he might still get Jacksonville two late-round picks.
“Lions get: Edge Travon Walker
Jaguars get: 2025 fourth-round selection, 2026 fourth-round selection
The Jaguars earned their first win, but may still be sellers by the trade deadline. Walker, the 2022 top pick, has had two standout games this season and three forgettable ones. He hasn’t fully clicked with the Jaguars, but his five sacks so far could net a decent return.”
Walker just had his best game of 2024, with three sacks and seven total pressures, more than the Colts had as a team in Week 5.
This season, the Georgia native leads the team with five sacks and 19 pressures. Considering Jacksonville’s lack of depth behind him and fellow pass rusher Josh Hines-Allen, trading him to Detroit seems unlikely.
Evaluating the Proposal: Jaguars Trade Walker for Late Draft Picks
The Jaguars just notched their first win and have two winnable games ahead. If they beat the Bears and Patriots in Weeks 6 and 7, they could be 3-4, with a chance to be 4-4 when they face the Packers in Week 9.
Trading Walker, one of their top defensive players, would hurt their chances of maintaining momentum. Simply put, why make that deal when the front office is trying to turn the season around?
General manager Trent Baalke wouldn’t pull the trigger on that trade, especially since a) he drafted Walker and b) he’s trying to keep his job. Plus, Jacksonville plays the Lions this season, and they wouldn’t want that trade to backfire.
Even if the Jaguars considered trading Walker, or teams inquired about him, it’s unlikely fifth and sixth-round picks would seal the deal.
If Jacksonville were 1-7 and a team offered a high first-round pick, maybe Baalke would entertain it, but Solak’s suggested deal seems far-fetched.
In conclusion, Walker has solidified his role in the Jaguars defense, and replacing him with late-round picks would be tough. The Jaguars are better off keeping him, even if they don’t turn their season around in 2024.
