Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Travon Walker (44) looks on before an NFL football matchup Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

Jaguars exercise 5th-year option on DE Travon Walker

The Jacksonville Jaguars exercised their fifth-year option on pass rusher and former No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker, NFL Network reported Monday.

Walker, 24, is entering the fourth season of his rookie contract and is set to earn $1.1 million in base salary in 2025 with a roster bonus of $4.7 million.

The Jags have begun “open conversations” with Walker on a long-term deal, new head coach Liam Coen said last week at the owners meetings.

Walker has 24 sacks, 44 quarterback hits, three forced fumbles and 28 tackles for loss in 49 games (48 starts) since the Jags selected him No. 1 overall in the 2022 draft.

–Field Level Media

Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Travon Walker (44) pressures Las Vegas Raiders offensive tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the first quarter of a regular season NFL football matchup Sunday, Nov. 6, 2022 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Jaguars held off the Las Vegas Raiders 27-20. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

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Jaguars rookie LB Travon Walker (ankle) out vs. Jets

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie linebacker Travon Walker will miss his second straight game due to an ankle injury.

Walker did not participate in Wednesday’s practice after being limited in each of the two previous sessions. The top overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft was then ruled out for Jacksonville’s road game against the New York Jets (7-7) on Thursday in East Rutherford, N.J.

Walker, 22, has 45 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble in 13 games (all starts) this season.

Walker was joined by offensive lineman Cam Robinson (knee) and defensive end Foley Fatukasi (ankle) in being ruled out for the Jaguars (6-8).

Quarterback Trevor Lawrence was listed as questionable after being limited in Wednesday’s practice due to a toe injury.

Safety Andrew Wingard (shoulder), linebacker Chad Muma (ankle), right guard Brandon Scherff (abdomen) and right tackle Jawaan Taylor (hamstring) are also listed as questionable.

–Field Level Media

Nov 6, 2021; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Travon Walker (44) reacts with linebacker Nolan Smith (4) after a sack against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars select Georgia DE Travon Walker No. 1 overall in NFL draft

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Georgia defensive lineman Travon Walker with the No. 1 overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft on Thursday in Las Vegas.

Walker had six sacks last season while helping Georgia win the national championship. He had 9.5 sacks in 36 career games over three seasons.

Walker started all 15 games last season after not previously making a single start.

He is the first Georgia player to go No. 1 overall since the Detroit Lions selected quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2009.

Walker was clocked in 4.51 seconds over 40 yards.

It was the second straight year in which the Jaguars held the No. 1 overall pick. They chose quarterback Trevor Lawrence from Clemson last year.

–Field Level Media