The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves at a crossroads with their young quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. As discussions about a potential contract extension heated up, former NFL general manager Randy Mueller raised some intriguing questions about whether the Jaguars should rush to pay Lawrence before September.
Jacksonville Jaguars Should Adopt A Cautious Approach
Randy Mueller, now with The Athletic, shared his thoughts on the matter in a recent article. “With what I know, I would not reset the market right now for Lawrence, who has two years and $31.3M remaining on his contract, although I would see if I could sign him for less (which probably isn’t realistic but worth trying),” Mueller commented. “Absent that, I would prefer to slow-play the situation, knowing I have him under contract through 2025 and the franchise tag available after that if necessary, while keeping my options open.”
This perspective suggests a more conservative approach, leveraging the existing contract and potential franchise tag to delay a major financial commitment.
Trevor Lawrence’s Rocky Start
Trevor Lawrence’s early career has been a rollercoaster. His rookie season was marred by the tumultuous tenure of Urban Meyer as head coach. However, 2022 marked a significant turnaround under the guidance of Doug Pederson. Yet, the 24-year-old quarterback faced multiple injury setbacks in the 2023 season, raising concerns about his consistency.
Pro Football Reference stats reveal that Lawrence ranked 18th in the NFL with a 56.1 adjusted QBR and 16th in passing success rate at 46.4 percent. He threw for 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions over 16 games, with the Jaguars ending the season 9-8 after a strong start at 8-3.
The Flaws and Potential
NFL insider Albert Breer pointed out that Lawrence was “raw” coming out of Clemson, highlighting the need for continued development. Mueller echoed these sentiments, noting, “His internal clock — knowing when to get the ball out — and his decision-making under pressure are still a work in progress. Lawrence seems to want to flush from the pocket as soon as possible instead of stepping up,” Mueller added, “seldom gets to a second or third read because he doesn’t give the big picture of the play design enough time to reveal itself.”
These critiques underscore the developmental hurdles Lawrence still faces. Yet, despite these challenges, there is optimism within the Jaguars’ camp.
Doug Pederson’s Optimism
Head coach Doug Pederson remains hopeful about Lawrence’s future and his contract situation. Last week, Pederson expressed confidence that Lawrence would sign an extension before the Jaguars open the 2024 season against the Miami Dolphins on September 8. This optimism indicates a belief in Lawrence’s potential and the team’s commitment to him.
Mueller, however, cautions against a hasty financial commitment. “Lawrence still needs to grow, and paying him market-setting money would make it more difficult to provide him with the help he needs to keep growing,” he explained.
The Risk of Waiting
While a cautious approach seems prudent, there is an inherent risk. If Lawrence has a breakout season between Week 1 and Super Bowl LIX, his market value could skyrocket, making him significantly more expensive to retain. This scenario could force the Jaguars into a more challenging financial situation next spring.
In the end, the decision to pay Trevor Lawrence is a complex one, balancing immediate financial prudence with the potential long-term gains of securing a franchise quarterback. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Lawrence and the Jaguars’ front office to see how this high-stakes negotiation unfolds.
Source- Yardbarker
