Travon Walker has had a strong season, and adding Mack could elevate the pass-rush situation significantly. A suggested front involving Mack on the edge with Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, and Walker moving inside on certain downs to rush from the interior, could create a dangerous third-down package. Walker has already shown versatility, lining up as a three-technique in 29 snaps this season and totaling 98 such snaps in his NFL career. The Jaguars could lean into that flexibility to maximize Mack’s impact.
Trade discussions have revolved around cost. One forecasted figure is a fifth-round pick, a price that aligns with what some teams have reportedly asked for Mack. The Jaguars have shown a willingness to trade Day 3 picks in recent years, relying on compensatory picks to replenish the roster, which could make a Mack addition feasible for them.
Mack is a pending free agent at season’s end, so a strong performance with the Jaguars could boost his value ahead of free agency. A playoff push with Jacksonville could also attract interest from other teams, potentially helping the Jaguars recoup compensatory picks if Mack signs elsewhere.
Khalil Mack remains a seasoned contributor, capable of delivering impact even if viewed as a rental. He posted 17 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl selection as recently as 2023. While his 2024 sack total dropped to six, his Run Defense remains a valued asset. In 2025, injuries limited him to 12 games, but he has started the current season well, with three sacks in five games so far.
Travon Walker’s development continues, with two seasons recording 3.5 sacks and two seasons with 10 sacks, underscoring his potential when paired with a veteran like Mack. Josh Hines-Allen, who had 17.5 sacks in 2023, has not matched that pace in the following seasons, highlighting the potential benefit of pairing him with Mack and Walker. The depth behind the edge trio is thin, with Dennis Gardeck serving as the third rusher and tallying relatively few pressures this year. Upgrading the depth could relieve Walker and Hines-Allen and bolster the overall pass rush.
If the Jaguars pursue Mack, the combination of veteran presence and young talent could unlock stronger defensive pressure and improve the unit as a whole.
