Jags, Parker Washington Still Discussing Extension

In regards to a potential extension, Washington said: “I’m not going to step on my agent’s toes. They can have those conversations. I’m going to come out here and do my job.”

Washington, a 2023 sixth-round pick from Penn State, logged modest production in his first two seasons in the NFL. Over 26 games (nine as a rookie, 17 in 2024), he caught 48 passes for 522 yards and five touchdowns. His production skyrocketed last year, though, in offensive-minded head coach Liam Coen‘s first season at the helm. While emerging as a weapon on a team that piled up 13 victories and won the AFC South, Washington pulled in 58 receptions for 847 yards and five scores.

Washington’s breakout helped make up for a disappointing second year for Brian Thomas Jr. and an injury-shortened rookie season for receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter. The Jaguars are likely expecting Thomas to return to form in 2026, as he dazzled as a first-round rookie two years ago, but Hunter is focusing more on defense this season. It was the opposite last year for the 2024 Heisman Trophy winner. Before suffering a season-ending LCL injury in an Oct. 30 practice, Hunter played 324 offensive snaps to 162 on defense. He is now clearly behind Washington, Thomas and Jakobi Meyers in the Jaguars’ receiver pecking order.

In addition to leading the Jags in catches and yards last season, the 5-foot-10, 204-pound Washington was also a major contributor on special teams. On a career-high 25 punt returns, Washington tied for the league lead with two TDs and finished sixth in yards per attempt (13.6). Including the 18 punts he returned from 2023-24, Washington has averaged 14.2 yards and scored three times on 43 tries.

“He’s a fantastic receiver, but he’s an elite returner,” special teams coach Heath Farwell said this week (via Paul Bretl of Jags Wire). “He’s a game changer. He’s feared across the league. He’s the best returner in the NFL as far as I’m concerned, and so I’m excited.”

That type of effusive praise from a member of the coaching staff should only help Parker’s cause in negotiations. There is also the fact that Gladstone pointed to Washington as a player “we align with moving forward” after last season (via Bretl). While Gladstone hasn’t gotten a Washington extension done since then, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them reach an agreement this summer. It would add to a long list of extensions for Gladstone, a second-year GM who has locked up Walker, Strange, Meyers, cornerback Montaric Brown, left tackle Cole Van Lanen and long snapper Ross Matiscik during his tenure.