Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and edge rusher Josh Allen will be with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the long term, general manager Trent Baalke said Thursday.
Baalke told reporters that the team is prioritizing both franchise cornerstones — Lawrence with a contract extension and Allen with a new deal.
The No. 1 overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, Lawrence signed a four-year, $36.7 million rookie deal that has one year remaining, plus a fifth-year $10.89 million team option before he could hit free agency in 2026.
Allen, the No. 7 overall selection in 2019, played the 2023 season on his fifth-year option and is eligible for free agency when the new league year begins in March.
Lawrence, 24, had a tough rookie year during Urban Meyer’s chaotic season as head coach, then showed growth under Doug Pederson in 2022, leading the Jaguars to a 9-8 record and a playoff victory. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and threw for 4,113 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
In 2023, however, end-of-season injuries plagued Lawrence and helped to doom the Jaguars’ playoff chances, and he couldn’t improve on the 2022 numbers.
Baalke said it wasn’t cause for worry, calling 2023 another “learning year,” and that the team will pursue a long-term deal.
“As far as Trevor and the long-term relationship with this team, there’s no doubt in that,” Baalke said. “We are going to get something done (at) the appropriate time.”
A deal with Allen, 26, is a more pressing need. He gained his second Pro Bowl nod in 2024 after racking up 66 tackles, 33 quarterback hits and a franchise-record 17.5 sacks in 17 games.
“Yeah, Josh will be a Jaguar,” Baalke said, adding the two sides have yet to talk money.
“I know Josh wants to be here, and I know we want him here,” Baalke said. “Can we come to a number that works for everybody? That’s the key.
“… You have to respect these guys that put themselves in this position. They work hard, they deserve the good money. … We just have to come together and sit down at the table and work things out.”
If Allen and the Jaguars don’t reach a long-term deal in the next few weeks, they could apply the franchise tag to him.
From Feb. 20 until March 5 at 4 p.m. ET, teams may designate franchise or transition tag players. Franchise tag players may not negotiate with other teams and will earn the average of the top five salaries at the position from the current season.
–Field Level Media