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Adam Schefter, ESPN Senior Writer
The Jacksonville Jaguars are signing starting left tackle Walker Little to a three-year, $45 million deal that includes $26 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN.
The deal, agreed to hours before Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, ties Little to Jacksonville through the 2027 season.
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke was heavily involved in the negotiations, trying to solidify Jacksonville’s future. Questions and speculation have swirled for weeks about the future of Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson. Not only are they busy preparing for Sunday’s game, Baalke also is making long-term decisions that will impact the future of the franchise.
One executive from another team said Little’s deal is a sign that Baalke is planning to stick with the Jaguars, despite all the uncertainty that has surrounded the team.
Little’s new contract marks the latest long-term commitment from the Jaguars, who handed out multiple lucrative deals last offseason. Jacksonville handed out big extensions to quarterback Trevor Lawrence (5 years, $275 million), defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (5 years, $141.25 million), and cornerback Tyson Campbell (4 years, $76.5 million). The Jaguars also made major free-agent signings, adding wide receiver Gabe Davis (3 years, $39 million) and defensive lineman Arik Armstead (3 years, $43.5 million).
Owner Shad Khan declared at the start of training camp earlier this year that it was “the best team assembled by the Jacksonville Jaguars, ever.”
Now, after a 2-9 record and suffering the worst loss in franchise history in its last game at Detroit, the organization continues making moves with an eye on its future.
Little, 25, was a second-round draft selection in 2021 and is in the final year of his rookie contract with the Jaguars. He became Jacksonville’s starting left tackle in October when Cam Robinson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.
The 6-foot-7, 325-pound Little has appeared in 51 games — including 21 starts — during his three-plus seasons with the Jaguars.