Ryan O’Halloran: Jaguars lock up left tackle by extending Van Lanen
The Jaguars signed left tackle Cole Van Lanen to a three-year contract extension, but will face other decisions along the offensive line.
Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cole Van Lanen signed a three-year, $51 million contract extension.Van Lanen was drafted in the sixth round in 2021 and has started at four different positions this season.Van Lanen chose to re-sign with the Jaguars instead of testing the free agent market in March.
Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cole Van Lanen was asked Saturday morning to describe the previous 24 hours in which he agreed to terms and subsequently signed a three-year contract extension that will keep him off the free agent market.
“Surreal,” Van Lanen told The Times-Union.
Surreal is also the proper adjective to describe Van Lanen’s career journey to a $51 million contract and also his 2025 season journey.
Drafted in the sixth round by the Green Bay Packers in 2021. … Traded to the Jaguars in 2022. … Only three starts in his first four pro seasons. … And being asked to start games this season at right guard, left guard, right tackle and left tackle.
Surreal indeed.
“My family, my wife and I are very ecstatic and it’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Van Lanen said. “But I’m trying to push it (aside) because we have a lot of goals left this year and I want to stay focused on that.”
Van Lanen could have tested free agency in March, but like receiver Jakobi Meyers, opted to re-sign with the Jaguars.
“I just think the fit here for me — I have really loved the new scheme, our coaching and I’ve really enjoyed being in Jacksonville,” Van Lanen said.
Van Lanen said he and the Jaguars haven’t discussed what position he will play starting in 2026.
“It doesn’t matter to me — I just to be on the field helping this team win games and whatever position it is, I’ll be ready to go,” he said.
Van Lanen has found a home at left tackle since Walker Little sustained a concussion in the Week 13 win at Tennessee. Little missed two games, but after he was cleared to return, Van Lanen remained at left tackle.
“(Working at one position) has helped me a ton to be able to focus and home in on who you’re going against week in and week out,” Van Lanen said. “I don’t want to stay it takes a load off, but you know for sure what you’ll be doing on Sunday and that ultimately helps your game.”