Before the buzz around Caleb Williams, there was Trevor Lawrence. Entering the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence was widely considered a generational talent, often mentioned in the same breath as Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning. The Jacksonville Jaguars recognized his potential and selected him with the No. 1 overall pick.
This draft class was notable for its depth at the quarterback position, featuring top prospects like Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. Remarkably, Lawrence is the only one who remains with the team that originally drafted him.
In April, Lawrence expressed his desire to remain in Jacksonville long-term, saying, “I’d love to, obviously, be a Jag for as long as possible. We love it here and I love where we’re headed as an organization and feel like I’m just getting better every year. My best ball is definitely ahead of me.”
Jacksonville Jaguars Committed to Long-Term Deal
The Jaguars are eager to secure Lawrence’s future with the team. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, talks are progressing well. “I’m told that talks have been progressing fairly nicely, that certainly there’s a hope among both sides that they can get this done,” Fowler reported. “He’s three years into his rookie deal so not urgent to have to get it done right this moment but Jacksonville, I’m told, is pretty committed to trying to get this done. This will also be a deal probably above that $50 million range but they are all in on Lawrence, they’ve been talking.”
Jacksonville has already picked up the fifth-year option on Lawrence’s rookie contract, extending it through 2025 for an additional $25.7 million. This move gives the Jaguars some breathing room, but securing a long-term deal sooner rather than later is crucial as Lawrence’s value continues to rise.
Overcoming Early Challenges
Lawrence’s NFL journey hasn’t been without its challenges. The Jaguars were a team in turmoil when he arrived, and his rookie season was marred by the disastrous tenure of head coach Urban Meyer. Despite these setbacks, Lawrence showed significant progress in his second year. In 2022, he threw for 4,113 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions, earning a Pro Bowl nod and leading the Jaguars to their first playoff win since 2017.
High Expectations and a Rocky Third Year
With an improved roster and another year under his belt, expectations were high for Lawrence in 2023. However, his performance was inconsistent, leaving some to question his development. The Jaguars’ organizational issues have certainly played a role in this, and many believe Lawrence could have flourished under a more stable environment, like that of the Kansas City Chiefs with Andy Reid.
Despite the ups and downs, Lawrence’s talent and the scarcity of elite quarterbacks in the NFL mean he is poised to command a significant salary. As the other quarterbacks from the 2021 draft class struggle, Lawrence’s potential stands out even more. Teams like the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Chicago Bears have all faced challenges with their quarterback selections, highlighting the value of a player like Lawrence.
The Future of Jacksonville Jaguars with Trevor Lawrence
As Jacksonville looks to the future, securing Lawrence with a long-term contract is a priority. His potential and growth as a quarterback are clear, and the Jaguars are committed to building a team around him. With the right support and development, Lawrence has the chance to become one of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL, the Jaguars are betting on their young star to lead them to success. The upcoming seasons will be crucial for both Lawrence and Jacksonville as they aim to solidify their place among the league’s top teams.
