Lawrence discussing extension with Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence said Tuesday that he's had talks about a contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars, but finalizing a deal isn't the star quarterback's top priority at the moment.
"There's definitely been some conversations," Lawrence said, according to ESPN's Michael DiRocco. "As far as where that's at now, it's not really my focus. I'd love to obviously be a Jag for as long as possible. We love it here, and I love where we're headed as an organization."
He added: "I can't lie. Obviously, it would be nice to have that done and feel good about it, but, no, it's not really the focus right now. I know where we're at, I know where we're heading, and I know what I have to do, and there's some improvements that I have to make going forward."
Lawrence, who became eligible to sign a new deal this year, is entering the fourth year of his rookie contract. Jacksonville is expected to exercise the fifth-year option on the former No. 1 pick's deal, which is worth $25.6 million in 2025.
After a disappointing rookie season in 2021, Lawrence posted a strong sophomore campaign with 25 touchdowns and only eight interceptions en route to earning a Pro Bowl berth. He also led the Jaguars to the playoffs.
The 24-year-old wasn't able to replicate that success in 2023, though. The Clemson product, who missed one game due to a shoulder injury, finished last season with 21 TDs against 14 picks, as Jacksonville missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record.
"I feel like I'm just getting better every year and my best ball's definitely ahead of me," Lawrence said.
Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals tops all quarterbacks with a $55-million average annual salary, according to Spotrac. He's followed by Justin Herbert of the Los Angeles Chargers ($52.5 million), Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens ($52 million), and Jalen Hurts of the Philadelphia Eagles ($51 million). They all signed contract extensions last year.
Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke said in January that Lawrence's extension with the team will get done "at the appropriate time."
"My job isn't going to change whether I get extended or not before this season," Lawrence added. "My job is to go win games and to be the best I can be for this team so we can have a chance to win a Super Bowl. Even if I get the contract extension, that's still my job even more so. So for me, I have the same focus and the same mindset."
Copyright (C) 2024 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.