When the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Travon Walker with the top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, the decision was based less on his immediate polish and more on his enormous long-term potential.

At 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds, Walker embodies everything defensive coordinators crave in a modern edge defender. While his early years showed the growing pains of a raw prospect, his natural athleticism and versatility quickly became evident. He has shown the ability to hold his own against the run, line up in multiple spots across the front, and flash disruptive traits that only elite talents possess.

The recent Green Bay Packers trade for Micah Parsons has shifted the balance of power in the NFC North, putting pressure on the Detroit Lions to respond. Parsons is not just another rusher—he changes games by himself. For Detroit, pursuing Walker would be a way to pair Hutchinson with another rising star and create one of the league’s most feared pass-rushing duos.

Walker’s NFL Development

Since entering the league, Walker has steadily built his résumé. His rookie campaign featured 3.5 sacks, 49 tackles (including five for loss), a forced fumble, an interception, and two pass breakups in 15 appearances.

He elevated his production in Year 2, tallying 10 sacks, 52 tackles, 19 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss, showing the type of consistency that teams covet. Walker followed that with another double-digit sack season in 2024, finishing with 10.5 sacks, 61 tackles, and 15 QB hits. Across his first three years, he has totaled 24 sacks, leading Jacksonville to exercise his fifth-year option worth roughly $14.75 million for 2026.

Despite this commitment, reports from Sports Illustrated’s Ed Kracz suggest Walker’s name has surfaced as a possible target for the Philadelphia Eagles—a sign that Detroit should also consider entering the conversation.

Why Detroit Should Make the Call

Even though Hutchinson is on track after last year’s injury, the Lions still have room for more edge depth. With Green Bay raising the stakes by adding Parsons, Detroit needs another difference-maker on the defensive line. Walker’s frame, athleticism, and closing burst would fit perfectly in Aaron Glenn’s scheme.

Financially, the Lions are in good position—they can manage his $11.9 million 2025 cap hit and still have the flexibility to extend him or lean on the team option in 2026.

Potential Trade Framework

A reasonable package could look like this:

Lions receive: EDGE Travon Walker, 2026 sixth-round pick

Jaguars receive: Detroit’s 2026 first-round pick, 2026 fourth-rounder, and a conditional 2027 third-rounder that upgrades to a second if Walker records 10+ sacks or the Lions reach the NFC Championship Game.

Considering recent pass-rusher trades—Montez Sweat netting a second-rounder as a rental and Brian Burns requiring both draft capital and a lucrative extension—Walker’s youth and back-to-back double-digit sack seasons make him a premium asset.

For Detroit, the chance to place Walker opposite Hutchinson in a division that just welcomed Parsons could be a game-changing move. GM Brad Holmes should at least explore the opportunity.