Walker Little’s three-year, $45 million, Sunday morning contract extension with the Jaguars could point to more than just his future being in Jacksonville.
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke was “heavily involved” in the makings of Little’s new deal, despite reporting and speculation suggesting Baalke and head coach Doug Pederson’s time in Jacksonville could be nearing its end amid the team’s 2-9 season.
Schefter added that Little’s deal gave an anonymous executive of another NFL team the impression that Baalke believes his job with the Jaguars is safe.
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. Along with preparing for the game Sunday, 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.
Before Jacksonville’s Week 11, 52-6 loss to the Detroit Lions, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that the Jaguars “might be looking at another regime change for 2025, and sources say a dramatic move could come as soon as this week, pending the results of Sunday’s game against the Lions.”
While Jacksonville suffered the worst loss in franchise history shortly following Rapoport’s report, a dramatic move never came.
Meaning, at least for now, Baalke continues to make the personnel decisions for the Jaguars, including Little’s contract extension.
