Well, the Jacksonville Jaguars have done it. As expected, they have locked up star quarterback Trevor Lawrence on a massive long-term contract extension.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport was the first to report the news, indicating that Lawrence is getting $275 million over five years. From a per-year and total value standpoint, he now matches Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals as the highest-paid player in league history.
It was reported ahead of this news that Lawrence was in line to become the second highest-paid player in the NFL.
“One NFL front office executive not affiliated with the Jaguars told ESPN they expect Lawrence’s extension to have an average annual salary just ahead of Goff’s $53 million, but not ahead of Burrow’s $55 million. As for the structure of the deal, it should be similar to the deal Goff received, the executive said. Goff’s contract is a four-year extension that kicks in after the 2024 season and includes a $78 million signing bonus. The Lions will spread that number over five seasons at $14.6 million per season.”
ESPN’s Michael DiRocco on Trevor Lawrence contract extension
Something obviously changed since.
What Trevor Lawrence contract extension means for the Jacksonville Jaguars
The No. 1 overall pick of Jacksonville out of Clemson back in 2021, Lawrence was eligible for an extension for the first time in his career this offseason. The Jaguars made sure to take care of the 24-year-old Pro Bowler.
It does not come without some risk. The deal calls for $200 million in total guarantees and $142 million fully guaranteed. Both figures are a bit less than what Burrow received from Cincinnati.
- Trevor Lawrence stats: 64% completion, 11,770 yards, 58 TD, 39 INT, 85.0 QB rating
After a stellar 2022 campaign in which he threw 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions, Lawrence took a step back this past season. He threw 21 touchdowns with 14 interceptions.
Obviously, the hope in Duval is that Lawrence progresses as this contract plays out.