Big Cat Country
Can free agent and draft additions help what could be a shaky offensive line group?
For the final installment of the state of the roster series on the offensive side, it’s time to check in with the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive line.
After a below-average overall year as a group, the Jags spent money to revamp the unit by acquiring veterans like Patrick Mekari and Robert Hainsey. The new front office also spent a third-round pick on guard Wyatt Milum and doubled down by spending a seventh-rounder on center Jonah Monheim.
Even still, Jags fans themselves aren’t as impressed, voting that this could be the team’s worst position group while Pro Football Focus rated the unit the league’s 26th best overall.
Many early metrics are doubtful of anything above an average season for the front five in Duval County, but that doesn’t mean this group is completely devoid of talent.
TACKLES
Contract: First year of a 3-year, $40,500,000 extension signed in 2024.
Age: 26 (27 in March).
Games Played: 55 with 25 starts across four seasons.
Notes:
Little enters the year as the starting left tackle, and with a big contract given to him from previous general manager Trent Baalke. Little has had a strange career in Jacksonville, earning starts at other offensive line positions and plenty of time waiting behind Cam Robinson. But he will continue protecting Trevor Lawrence’s blind side on the left for the foreseeable future.
Contract: Third year of a 4-year, $13,198,521 rookie contract.
Age: 23 (24 in February).
Games Played: 33 with 33 starts across two seasons.
Notes:
After a solid rookie season, Harrison played fine in his sophomore year on the right side. He may not have been as eye-popping as he was in his first season when he burst onto the scene, but he has proven he has what it takes to be a good NFL tackle. Playing at a consistently high level will be Harrison’s charge under the new coaching staff. Much like Little’s job, there should be essentially no competition for the starting role.
Contract: 1-year, $3,406,000 deal signed in 2025.
Age: 27 (28 in April).
Games Played: 35 with three starts across four seasons, all starts last year in Jacksonville.
Notes:
Van Lanen has played both inside and on the edge for Jacksonville, but likely hasn’t done enough to beat out someone more proven like Fred Johnson for swing minutes. This offensive line group as a whole values versatility, as most players have at least some experience at guard and tackle. That could keep Van Lanen in the mix.
Contract: 1-year, $1,337,500 deal signed in 2025.
Age: 28 (29 in June).
Games Played: 62 with 14 starts across six seasons.
Notes:
Johnson was a big part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line room across the past two seasons. As a swing tackle, he appeared in all 17 regular season games in two straight years and every postseason contest last year on the...
