In a major move for their future, the Jacksonville Jaguars have secured their franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, with a blockbuster five-year, $275 million extension. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on Thursday, revealing that the deal includes a staggering $200 million in guaranteed money and $142 million fully guaranteed at signing. This agreement ties Lawrence with Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow for the highest annual salary in the NFL, each earning an impressive $55 million per year.
Lawrence’s journey to becoming one of the league's top earners hasn't been without its bumps. Drafted first overall in 2021, he entered the NFL with high expectations, but his rookie season was marred by the tumultuous tenure of coach Urban Meyer, leading to Meyer's mid-season firing. Under new head coach Doug Pederson in 2022, Lawrence showed flashes of his potential, especially during a late-season surge that saw the Jaguars clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2017.
Lawrence's strong finish in 2022, including a remarkable comeback victory against the Los Angeles Chargers in the playoffs, seemed to signal his arrival as a franchise cornerstone. His performance that season — completing nearly 70% of his passes and boasting a 15-2 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the second half — was a highlight. However, the following year was less kind. The Jaguars faltered, with Lawrence’s statistics dipping and Jacksonville losing critical games late in the season. This opened the door for Houston's C.J. Stroud to take the spotlight in the AFC South.
Despite this rocky 2023, the Jaguars decided not to wait and see. Instead, they opted to secure their faith in Lawrence now, rather than risking a contract year gamble. This bold move underscores their belief that Lawrence can lead them to sustained success, much like Burrow has done for Cincinnati, even though Lawrence’s career hasn't yet reached the same heights as Burrow’s AFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance.
Comparing their trajectories, both quarterbacks have their question marks. Burrow has faced significant injuries, missing 15 games over his career, while Lawrence only missed his first game in 2023. Lawrence’s turnover issues, leading the NFL with 21 giveaways last season and accumulating more fumbles lost than any other player over the past three years, highlight areas for improvement.
Lawrence's career stats still paint a promising picture: he ranks fifth in quarterback wins and fourth in both passing yards and touchdowns in Jaguars history, accumulating 11,770 yards and 58 touchdowns in just three seasons. These achievements place him among the best in NFL history for a player after three seasons.
With his new contract, Lawrence joins an elite group of quarterbacks, including Deshaun Watson, Joe Burrow, and Justin Herbert, who have received $200 million or more in guaranteed money. This substantial investment confirms that the Jaguars are banking on Lawrence’s talent and potential to steer them towards a bright future.
As the Jaguars prepare for the 2024 season, all eyes will be on Lawrence to lead the charge and validate Jacksonville's commitment. The next chapter in his career is poised to be crucial for both Lawrence and the Jaguars as they aim to reclaim their position as a playoff contender.
Key Highlights of Lawrence's New Deal:
Contract Value: $275 million over five years
Guaranteed Money: $200 million, with $142 million fully guaranteed at signing
Average Annual Salary: $55 million, matching Joe Burrow's league-high
Lawrence is now the fourth quarterback in NFL history to receive at least $200 million in guaranteed money, underscoring the Jaguars' confidence in their young star despite a mixed start to his career.
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