Walker Little finally lands a starting tackle role with Jaguars, with free agency looming

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Walker Little finally has a starting job with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It took Cam Robinson getting benched and traded to get there. And it might just be a short-term role.

The Jaguars (2-6) dealt Robinson to Minnesota on Tuesday, giving the Vikings a fill-in for injured standout Christian Darrisaw and clearing a path for Little to start the rest of the season. Jacksonville will spend the next nine games, beginning with Sunday's game at Philadelphia (5-2), evaluating Little.

The 2021 second-round draft pick out of Stanford is in the final year of his rookie contract.

“Obviously it’s tough losing Cam,” Little said Wednesday. “He was a great player, a great leader, a great guy in the O-line room and taught me a lot over my four years here. But it is the business. I’m happy for him and excited for his opportunity. I’ve got big shoes to fill and I’m excited for the opportunity.”

Little has played in 48 games, with 18 starts, since general manager Trent Baalke selected him with the 45th overall pick that year. He has fallen short of expectations during his Jacksonville tenure.

The Jaguars have moved him from left tackle to right tackle and even to guard in hopes of finding him a spot. But he never cracked the starting lineup expect when filling in for injured teammates.

He has started 14 games at left tackle and four at left guard.

“Feel great about him,” Jaguars coach Doug Pederson. “Obviously he’s been here. He’s worn a lot of hats for us. He’s played inside. He’s played outside. He’s played both tackle spots. We got a lot of confidence moving forward.”

Robinson is the second veteran the Jaguars have traded this month, following defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris’ move to Seattle. Robinson cleared the league’s concussion protocol last week but was benched in favor of Little and seemed disengaged from teammates and coaches during a 30-27 loss to Green Bay.

He was gone two days later.

And now Little has a chance to make himself a notable free agent in March, whether it be with Jacksonville or elsewhere.

“It’s a really good opportunity to get to play and get to play multiple games and get to go against really good talent,” Little said. “I’m just grateful for the opportunity to go out there and perform.”

Pederson lamented having to say goodbye to Robertson-Harris and Robinson during the season.

“It’s never easy. I’ve been one of those guys, so I know it’s never easy and now you’re on this side of it and it’s tough,” Pederson said. “And the biggest thing for me, too, is just how much you appreciate what the players have put in and the hard work and whether they were drafted here or not. It’s never easy.”