Trevor Lawrence recently signed a massive five-year, $275 million extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars, making him one of the highest-paid players in NFL history. Despite some underwhelming stats early in his career, the Jaguars believe in Lawrence’s potential and locked him up for the long term.
The deal may seem eye-popping at first, especially considering Lawrence’s turnover and passer rating numbers. However, when you dig deeper, this contract could be team-friendly. By extending him now, the Jaguars secure their franchise quarterback for the next seven seasons, at an average annual value of around $45.7 million.
This move also signals a trend in quarterback contracts, with salaries skyrocketing in the league. Waiting to pay Lawrence could have cost the Jaguars even more in the future, as quarterback salaries continue to rise.
Looking ahead, Lawrence’s cap hit for 2024 will be manageable, allowing the Jaguars to maintain their competitiveness with their current roster. If Lawrence continues to develop as expected, the team can adjust his deal down the line to ensure long-term success.
While some may argue that the Jaguars paid Lawrence too soon, the move reflects the team’s commitment to building a winning culture. Lawrence’s potential to draw fans and lead the team to success justifies the investment from Jacksonville’s perspective.
Ultimately, the challenge for Lawrence and the Jaguars now is to translate this investment into consistent playoff contention and possibly a championship in the future. With the right support and development, Lawrence could prove to be worth every penny of his record-breaking deal.