The Jacksonville Jaguars are currently in contract discussions with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence, with the possibility of a surprising trade still looming.
Star quarterback Trevor Lawrence is currently engaged in contract discussions with the Jacksonville Jaguars, raising questions about the possibility of a trade during this offseason. As 2024 marks the first year of eligibility for the Clemson product’s extension, speculation is rife about him securing a significant contract soon, as franchise stars typically do after their initial three years. Talks regarding a new contract began last month, indicating that securing Lawrence’s future with the team has become a top priority.
Despite initial uncertainty, negotiations between the Jaguars and Lawrence’s representatives appear to be progressing positively. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has noted that discussions are “progressing fairly nicely.” While there’s still ample time to finalize a deal, the team has opted to exercise Lawrence’s fifth-year option for 2025. Fowler anticipates that Lawrence could secure a contract exceeding the $50 million per-year mark.
Over the past few offseasons, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts have emerged as rising quarterbacks securing lucrative deals. Jared Goff recently joined this group by signing a significant contract extension with the Lions, valued at $53 million per season. Despite a challenging rookie season under Urban Meyer, Trevor Lawrence’s prospects brightened with the arrival of Doug Pederson. The Jaguars’ resurgence under Pederson saw them advance to the divisional round of the postseason in 2022, earning Lawrence his first Pro Bowl selection.
However, recent developments have cast a shadow over Lawrence’s performance, particularly towards the end of last season when his offense struggled. Concerns have been raised about Lawrence’s turnover rate, with 39 interceptions and 21 lost fumbles in his career, potentially impacting discussions around his contract extension. Nonetheless, Lawrence has consistently surpassed 4,000 passing yards in each of his first two seasons in the league.
Star Quarterback Trevor Lawrence Engaged in Contract Talks – Potential for a Trade?
Is He Still the Future?
Trevor Lawrence remains poised to become the next NFL quarterback to command a contract exceeding $50 million per year. While the deal is yet to materialize, indications suggest it’s progressing in that direction. Jaguars Head Coach Doug Pederson is optimistic about an imminent contract for Lawrence.
“I think it’s part of the business,” Pederson remarked. “Obviously, the sooner you get it done, right, it’s behind everybody, and now we focus on football. I’ve just got to coach Trevor and coach football, and hopefully it gets done, and it will.”
Despite the ongoing negotiations, Lawrence continues to demonstrate his potential to excel at a high level. Jacksonville witnessed several players depart during free agency, including Calvin Ridley. However, they bolstered their roster by acquiring Gabe Davis in the market and selecting Brian Thomas Jr. in this year’s draft. Lawrence now faces the task of rebuilding offensive chemistry with two new receivers, a process akin to starting from scratch.
The good news is that Jacksonville likely has two more years with Trevor Lawrence before needing to address his contract extension. They’re currently working on a new deal to ensure they don’t waste any time before potential negotiations arise. However, if Lawrence were to depart, several teams could be potential trade destinations for the Clemson product.
Potential Trade Destinations
While it’s unlikely that Lawrence would leave Jacksonville, unforeseen circumstances could change that. One potential fit could be the New Orleans Saints, who have struggled with Derek Carr and lack proven talent at receiver. A quarterback reset could be in order for them. There have also been rumors suggesting Lawrence as a possible replacement for Dak Prescott if he doesn’t reach a deal with the Cowboys.
Given Dallas’s underwhelming offseason, a Lawrence trade could make sense, providing them with time to negotiate a contract that suits both parties.