The Jacksonville Jaguars have signed starting left tackle Walker Little to a three-year, $45 million contract with $26 million guaranteed, sources told ESPN.

The deal, announced without conditions just hours before Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans, ties Little to Jacksonville through the 2027 season.

Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke was instrumental in the negotiations and attempted to solidify Jacksonville’s future. Questions and speculation have been swirling about the future of Baalke and coach Doug Pederson for weeks. In addition to preparing for Sunday’s game, Baalke is also making long-term decisions that will impact the future of the franchise.

An executive from another team said Little’s deal was a sign that Baalke planned to stay with the Jaguars despite all the uncertainty surrounding the team.

Little’s new contract represents the latest long-term commitment from the Jaguars, who signed several lucrative deals last offseason. Jacksonville awarded quarterback Trevor Lawrence (5 years, $275 million), defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (5 years, $141.25 million) and cornerback Tyson Campbell (4 years, $76.5 million) large extensions. The Jaguars also signed key free agents, including wide receiver Gabe Davis (3 years, $39 million) and defensive lineman Arik Armstead (3 years, $43.5 million).

Owner Shad Khan declared at the start of training camp that it was “the best team the Jacksonville Jaguars have ever assembled.”

Now, with a 2-9 record and after suffering its worst loss in franchise history in its last game in Detroit, the organization continues to make moves toward the future.

Little, 25, was a second-round pick in 2021 and is in the final year of his rookie contract with the Jaguars. In October, he became Jacksonville’s starting left guard when Cam Robinson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings.

The 1.90 meter tall, 145 kilogram Little played in 51 games during his three-plus seasons with the Jaguars – including 21 as a starter.