Jaguars pick up option for Josh Allen despite drafting Travon Walker

Former Kentucky star Josh Allen is entering year four in the NFL with the Jacksonville Jaguars. During that time, Allen has been one of the few bright spots for a dwindling franchise.

Allen, 24, has played in 40 games over those three seasons with 26 starts collecting 20.5 sacks and 48 QB hits. The pass rusher just put his best season together earning a quality 78.5 grade from PFF. The explosive rusher appears to be on his way to potential stardom. Yet, the Jaguars are not done building their defensive front.

With the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jacksonville took Travon Walker with the top overall selection on Thursday night. Just hours before the Jags officially went on the clock, the franchise picked up the fifth-year option on Allen’s rookie contract to give the Kentucky product fully guaranteed money over the next two years.

Jaguars exercised DE/OLB Josh Allen’s fifth-year option.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 28, 2022

The AFC South franchise is committed to Josh Allen but just spent a high first-round pick on another edge talent. Why would they do this? The Jaguars are in full rebuild mode and must get the best players available.

As the AFC continues to load up on good quarterbacks, pass-rushing value becomes more important. For Jacksonville, the team appears to have a potential dude, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Trevor Lawrence emerge as the best passer in the division this season. However, the defense must be able to stop offenses with new head coach Doug Pederson and defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell taking over. The Jaguars spent big money in free agency on offensive pieces to support Lawrence, and now the front office addressing defense through the draft.

In addition to adding Walker, the Jags traded up into the end of the first round to take Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd to address the second level of the defense in their 3-4 scheme. There is roster-building going in Jacksonville, and Josh Allen should reap the benefits.

The explosive edge rusher is now getting some surrounding pieces and has the financial support of the franchise to go be a star for the defense over the next two seasons. That freedom could give Allen a chance to produce two big years that will lead to a big payday when free agency hits after the 2023 season.

Teams need multiple pass-rushing weapons, and the immediate hope is that Travon Walker’s positional versatility will help take some focus away from Josh Allen so the fourth-year pro can be a star in 2022.