Jacksonville’s Sunday showcase against New Orleans is unraveling behind the scenes as 11 starters and key reserves are ruled out with injuries or precautionary rests. Travis Hunter leads the casualty list, listed with an upper‑body issue, as the Jaguars shuffle a rotation that already features Anton Harrison, Chuma Edoga, Tyson Campbell, Arik Armstead, Maason Smith, Cole Van Lanen, Montaric Brown, Jalen McLeod, Caleb Ransaw and Dennis Gardeck among those inactive. Dyami Brown is also out, further squeezing the WR room. Hunter, who has practiced on both sides and logged big practice snaps, remains a focal point of Jacksonville’s depth chart as the team aims to preserve health for Week 1. The Saints, meanwhile, will draw on reserves and evaluative reps, setting a deeper look at Jaguars’ tackle and edge depth, and how the defense adapts without its usual week-to-week starters.

Cole Van Lanen, the former offensive tackle from the University of Wisconsin, has signed a one-year, $3.26 million restricted free agent contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the upcoming 2025 NFL season. This marks his fourth year with the Jaguars after being acquired from the Green Bay Packers, who initially drafted him in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Van Lanen's role within the team has steadily grown over the years. Entering the 2025 season, he is expected to serve as the backup right tackle, providing depth behind first-round pick Anton Harrison from 2023. His snap counts have reflected his increasing involvement, having played 46% of offensive snaps in 2024, showcasing his development and potential for future contributions.

Three weeks into the NFL free agency period, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made significant roster changes, including signing 10 outside players and trading Christian Kirk. However, none of their unrestricted free agents have been re-signed, leading to questions regarding the future of several key players.

Notably, the only potential returnee is restricted free agent Cole Van Lanen, who has also met with Seattle. Among the Jaguars' unrestricted free agents, several have already signed with other teams, including Evan Engram, who joined the Denver Broncos, and quarterback Mac Jones who is now with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Jaguars still have notable free agents available, such as offensive lineman Brandon Scherff and running back D'Ernest Johnson, both of whom could provide value. As the draft approaches, the Jaguars will look to build on their current roster while addressing any remaining needs.

The Seattle Seahawks are actively seeking help for their offensive line as they explore multiple free-agent options. Recently, they hosted several interior offensive linemen, including Teven Jenkins, Dillon Radunz, and Lucas Patrick, but did not end up signing any of them. Instead, General Manager John Schneider confirmed that Cole Van Lanen, a restricted free agent from the Jacksonville Jaguars, visited the Seahawks' facilities. The Jaguars have placed a tender on Van Lanen worth $3.26 million, which gives them the right to match any offer he receives from Seattle.

Van Lanen, a sixth-round pick from the 2021 NFL draft by the Green Bay Packers, has participated in 35 career NFL games, serving primarily as a reserve. Last season, he made three starts with the Jaguars, recording 187 snaps at left tackle and 60 at right tackle, in addition to 12 snaps at guard. The Seahawks continue to evaluate their options to reinforce their offensive line for the upcoming season, signaling their commitment to improving this critical area.

The Seattle Seahawks are evaluating former Wisconsin Badgers offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen during a recent free-agent visit. After spending three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where his role expanded significantly—his offensive snaps grew from 9% in 2023 to 46% in 2024—Van Lanen is now a restricted free agent. The Jaguars have placed a sixth-round tender on him, giving them the right to match any offers he receives. If they choose not to match, the team that signs him will need to compensate the Jaguars with a sixth-round pick.

Van Lanen's journey began as a sixth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2021, where he spent most of his rookie year on the practice squad before being traded to Jacksonville. In his time with the Jaguars, he played in 34 games with three starts, proving to be a valuable asset on the offensive line. However, with new additions to the Jaguars' offensive line this offseason, including players like Fred Johnson and Chuma Edoga, Van Lanen faces increased competition for a roster spot, which could complicate his potential return to Jacksonville if he signs elsewhere.