Jaguars did right thing with Trevor Lawrence contract decision

The Jacksonville Jaguars have made a monumental move, cementing their faith in quarterback Trevor Lawrence. They’ve secured his services for the next five years with a $275 million extension, $200 million of which is guaranteed.

The bold step for the franchise on Thursday night not only underscores the team’s belief in Lawrence, the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, but also marks a pivotal shift towards stability and the construction of a lasting legacy. The former Clemson star’s new deal also includes $142 million, fully guaranteed at signing. The extension comes as he entered the fourth season of his rookie deal, with free agency originally looming in 2026.

Jacksonville’s star QB has played three NFL seasons, all with the Jaguars. Since being drafted by the organization, he has thrown for 11,770 yards and 58 touchdowns. His impressive start to his career has also earned him a Pro Bowl selection in the 2022 season.

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Jacksonville, once known for stability at the quarterback position from the early 1990s to early 2000s, has faced a turbulent journey in recent years. The Jaguars previously enjoyed long-term success with quarterbacks like Mark Brunell, their all-time passing leader, and David Garrard, who each led the team for nine seasons.

However, the team’s journey has been marked by instability, with a string of short-lived quarterbacks like Byron Leftwich, Blaine Gabbert, and Blake Bortles. In stark contrast, Lawrence is already making his mark in Jaguars history, ranking fourth in all-time passing yards (11,770) and passing touchdowns (58).

His achievements, reached in just 50 games, are a stark contrast to Brunell’s record of 25,698 yards set over 120 games. If Lawrence continues on this trajectory, he’ll amass a staggering 28,248 passing yards in 120 games, a feat that will significantly surpass the franchise leader, a testament to his potential to reshape the team’s legacy.

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Lawrence also became one of just five quarterbacks to throw four or more touchdowns in a playoff game in their first or second season, joining the elite company of Andrew Luck, Kurt Warner, Dan Marino, and Aaron Brooks. In 2022, he led the Jaguars to the AFC South title and a wild-card victory. Should Lawrence guide the Jaguars to the playoffs two more times, he will surpass Leftwich, Garrard, and Bortles for the most playoff starts in the team’s history.

For Jacksonville, locking down their franchise quarterback couldn’t have happened at a better time. The cost of NFL quarterbacks continues to rise due to salary cap increases, inflation, and the precedent set by large contracts. When one quarterback signs a substantial deal, it sets a new benchmark for future quarterback contracts.

Lawrence is now the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, along with Joe Burrow, at $55 million annually. His deal was finalized just after the Detroit Lions extended Jared Goff for $53 million annually.

While NFL fans will marvel at Lawrence and Burrow’s substantial paydays, these records will likely be eclipsed by the next wave of quarterbacks eligible for extensions. Tua Tagovailoa will scratch the top half of the highest-paid quarterback in 2024 after the Dolphins trigger their team option, but his rookie deal will expire following the season.

Similarly, Jordan Love of the Packers will become a free agent at the end of this year if Green Bay doesn’t extend his contract. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has been open to betting on himself in the market and is expected to command a league-altering salary.