Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) passes the ball during the team's NFL football practice, Monday, May 20, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Trevor Lawrence has secured a substantial contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars, emphasizing potential over current performance.
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Lawrence and the Jaguars agreed to a five-year, $275 million deal. This makes Lawrence one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history, with $142 million guaranteed and a $37.5 million signing bonus.
His average annual salary of $55 million matches Joe Burrow's, setting a new benchmark in the league. This deal follows Detroit's extension of Jared Goff, who became the second-highest-paid QB with a $212 million contract.
Lawrence, at 24, joins the ranks of quarterbacks earning over $50 million annually, alongside Burrow, Goff, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts. He is also among the youngest QBs earning more than $40 million yearly.
Despite a mixed performance record of 21-31 over three seasons, including playoffs, Lawrence remains pivotal to Jacksonville's future plans. He has thrown for 11,770 yards with 58 touchdowns and 39 interceptions, coupled with 11 rushing scores and 21 fumbles lost.
The Jaguars highlight Lawrence's standout stretch in 2022-23, where he excelled with 4,713 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, contributing to a 14-5 record. General manager Trent Baalke and coach Doug Pederson view this period as indicative of Lawrence's potential, provided he stays healthy.
However, injuries marred Lawrence's last season, limiting his playtime and contributing to Jacksonville's late-season slump. Despite throwing for 4,016 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, Lawrence's performance suffered due to multiple injuries, including shoulder, knee, ankle, and concussion issues.
Baalke addressed these concerns by bolstering the offensive line and receiving corps during the offseason. Measures included re-signing Ezra Cleveland and adding Mitch Morse, along with drafting Javon Foster to enhance the team's depth.
These moves are aimed at supporting Lawrence's development into the franchise quarterback Jacksonville envisioned when drafting him first overall in 2021.
