Jaguars profess faith in Trevor Lawrence; what does that mean for extension talks?

Ben Arthur

AFC South Reporter

Amid questions about Trevor Lawrence’s standing with the Jaguars, in the wake of the disappointing season he just had, coach Doug Pederson on Tuesday reiterated that Jacksonville still views him as its quarterback. 

The former No. 1 overall pick is eligible for a second contract this offseason. 

“I’m excited for the future with Trevor,” Pederson said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “He’s excited.” 

That shouldn’t change how the Jags approach his looming extension, though. 

The team’s best course of action is still to pick up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract by the May 2 deadline — slated to be a $25.6 million fully guaranteed salary for Lawrence in 2025, as he has met the playtime criterion — and revisit extension talks next offseason. 

Paying Lawrence big bucks now could be devastating long-term for Jacksonville, which can’t yet be certain he’s a true franchise quarterback, considering his 2023 regression. Lawrence’s numbers dropped from the previous year in completion rate (down to 65.6% from 66.3%), passing yards (4,016 last season; 4,113 in 2022), passing touchdowns (21 last season; 25 in 2022), interceptions (14 last season; 8 in 2022), passer rating (88.5 last season; 95.2 in 2022) and EPA per dropback (-.09 last season; 0.11 in 2022). He also had 21 turnovers last season, third-worst in the league. 

That’s also why waiting a year is probably in the best interest for Lawrence, too. With a strong 2024, he would put himself right back into the conversation of a second contract at or near the top of the quarterback market. Signing a deal now could hurt his earning potential for the life of his NFL career. 

So, regardless of how you look at it, Jacksonville shouldn’t be pressed into extending Lawrence over the next few months. 

And even in the way Pederson has talked about Lawrence, even in backing him, it doesn’t sound like the Jags should be on the brink of paying…

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Publish date : 2024-02-27 23:11:26

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