NFL Trade Rumors: Jacksonville Jaguars Working on Extension With Quarterback Trevor Lawrence

The Jacksonville Jaguars believe they have a franchise quarterback. Speaking with media ahead of organized team activities, head coach Doug Pederson revealed that general manager Trent Balke and quarterback Trevor Lawrence's representation have been "working hard and tirelessly" on a long-term extension.

#Jaguars HC Doug Pederson on a Trevor Lawrence extension: “Obviously the sooner you get it done, it's behind everybody, and now we focus on football, and so that's not lingering and that's not out there.”

The franchise QB is at OTAs amid contract talks… https://t.co/8NeZZxXN0I
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 20, 2024

Lawrence is coming off his third pro season and is thus eligible for an extension. Since the Jaguars activated his fifth-year option, he has two years remaining on his rookie contract. He's set to count $11.7 million against the cap in 2024 and $25.7 million in 2025.

Detroit Lions Pro Bowler Jared Goff is the most recent quarterback to sign a major contract, a four-year, $212 million contract inked earlier this offseason. Still only 24 years old and a former first-overall pick, Lawrence could command similar money. Whether or not he deserves it is another question.

Over his three seasons in the league, Lawrence has compiled a 20-30 record while averaging 235.4 passing yards per game and 6.03 net yards per passing attempt. More importantly, he took a significant step back last season following his promising second year, regressing in interception rate (up from 1.4% to 2.5%) and net yards per passing attempt (from 6.43 down to 6.33).

As the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, it's probably fair to assume Lawrence's production has been sabotaged by inadequate surrounding talent; the Jaguars finished 1-15 with a -186 point differential the season before drafting him. Still, signing Lawrence at a top-of-the-market deal will significantly hinder the Jaguars' ability to improve the quality of their roster. Every extra dollar the team allocates to Lawrence is money they can't spend elsewhere.

Ultimately, the Jaguars haven't been good enough under Lawrence, and that means they need to look inward. If they decide Lawrence isn't the problem, they must evaluate their front office and coaching staff. Otherwise, they'll be stuck in the middle of the AFC's standings for the foreseeable future.