Cole van Lanen just locked in his future with Jacksonville, but what the Jaguars paid reveals something bigger happening

The Jacksonville Jaguars have locked in offensive lineman Cole van Lanen for the long term. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jaguars and van Lanen agreed to a 3-year, $51 million extension on January 2, 2026, that keeps him in Jacksonville through 2029. The deal includes $32.5 million guaranteed and could reach $55.5 million with incentives.

Versatile Lineman Emerges as Franchise Cornerstone

Cole van Lanen has become one of the most valuable pieces of the Jaguars offense in 2025. Coming off the bench for much of the season, he stepped in wherever needed while the team navigated injuries up front. His ability to play multiple positions at elite level made him an obvious choice to lock down long-term.

This season alone, van Lanen logged 300 snaps at left tackle, 72 at left guard, 46 at right guard, and 133 snaps at right tackle. He has made at least one start at each position. More recently, he found a home at left tackle, a position that could become permanent for him moving forward.

From Draft Afterthought to Defensive Anchor

Van Lanen was a sixth-round pick (214th overall) by the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL Draft from the University of Wisconsin. The Packers traded him to Jacksonville on August 23, 2022, for a seventh-round draft pick—a move that looks increasingly prescient now.

At Wisconsin, van Lanen earned accolades for his technical excellence. As a sophomore in 2018, he was the highest-rated offensive tackle in the nation by Pro Football Focus (90.4). He played in 45 games with 19 starts at left tackle for the Badgers over four seasons. That college pedigree is now shining through in professional football where it matters most.

Contract Details That Reflect True Value

Coach Liam Coen’s Vision for the Offensive Line

Head coach Liam Coen made it clear how highly he values van Lanen’s contributions. In December 2025, Coen indicated that van Lanen could be the permanent starter at left tackle moving forward. This signals confidence in van Lanen’s ability to anchor a critical position on the offensive line for years to come.

The Jaguars’ faith in van Lanen extends beyond just his versatility. Pro Football Focus graded him as the fourth-highest rated player on the Jaguars offense in a recent game, with a score of 77.5. His combination of athleticism and technical work has impressed both coaching staff and evaluation metrics.

Does This Deal Set the Tone for Future Jaguars Contracts?

Van Lanen’s extension comes shortly after the Jaguars re-signed wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to a contract extension. The team is making strategic investments in players who show consistency and reliability. This deal demonstrates Jacksonville’s willingness to commit resources to offensive linemen who prove invaluable in pass protection.

The timing matters too. Van Lanen was set to become a free agent this offseason, meaning the Jaguars faced genuine competition for his services. By locking him in now with guaranteed money, Jacksonville prevents other teams from poaching one of their most productive contributors.

Sources

• ESPN – Adam Schefter reporting on contract details and terms
• Jaguars Wire (USA Today) – Official contract reporting and season analysis
• Jacksonville Jaguars Official – Team announcements and player statistics

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.