What’s the state of play with Trevor Lawrence’s contract extension?

The Jacksonville Jaguars back offices have been a hive of activity for the past few weeks. Even before free agency, the franchise had closed a number of operations - offering new deals to D’Ernest Johnson, Jeremiah Ledbetter and Blake Hance. Cornerback Ronald Darby was signed on a two-year deal from the Ravens, his arrival was followed by wide receivers Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay.

Jacksonville’s recent trades

The Jags did well to pick up Arik Armstead in free agency - the DE signed a three-year deal on a $43,500,000 contract, including a $12,500,000 signing bonus. Josh Allen agreed a five-year extension for $150 million and on Friday, veteran offensive lineman Tyler Shatley. Meanwhile Darious Williams, Folorunso Fatukasi and Rayshawn Jenkins were released.

Lawrence has a year left on his Rookie contract

Next on the to-do list is sorting out Trevor Lawrence’s contract. Lawrence signed a four-year Rookie contract with the Jaguars in July 2021 worth $36,793,488 with a not unsubstantial $24,118,900 signing bonus. Jacksonville could exercise the fifth-year option on Lawrence’s rookie contract - they have until the 2 May deadline to do so. That would give him a fully guaranteed salary estimated to be around $22 million for 2025.

Jags working on Lawrence’s contract

Jacksonville GM Trent Baalke explained last week:  “We’ve had some great talks and great conversations. I spoke with his agency again last night. We’re working, but you can’t force this stuff. I said the same thing with Josh’s situation, I said it would take some time and it did. But we’re glad it got completed when it did so we could go into this offseason program knowing that’s behind us and we can move forward. We’re working at it, we’ll continue to work at it. Ownership is involved, obviously. Coach is involved; we’re going to put our best foot forward and hope to get something accomplished here.”

The 2021 No.1 overall pick struggled with injuries towards the end of last year, suffering a number of complaints including bruising, concussion, a Grade III ankle sprain and shoulder sprain. He threw for 4,016 yards (down from 4,113 in 2022), 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 16 games during the last campaign.

Lawrence has another year to run on his current contract but is now eligible to sign an extension as he has completed three years in NFL. For now, there is no rush but it’s in neither party’s interest to let the current situation drag on. “Obviously, you want to be able to have some security, and you want to make some money,” the player told NFL Network. “I know I have a job to do regardless, whether I get the extension this year or next year or whatever it is. It’s not going to change. I have to prepare myself to be the best player I can be next season and take us as far as we can go”.