Jags' Lawrence: I believe extension will 'take care of itself'
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is keeping his focus on the field amid a potential contract extension.
"Obviously, I'm aware of what's going on, but I try to keep my focus on doing my job out here," Lawrence told reporters Monday at OTAs. "I have full belief that that'll take care of itself and that's not something I need to worry about."
Lawrence is eligible for an extension this offseason, but the two sides are yet to reach an agreement. Jacksonville picked up the fifth-year option for its franchise quarterback, along with running back Travis Etienne, in April. The 24-year-old passer hopes a deal be struck sooner rather than later.
"That would be ideal just to put it behind us and keep moving and feel good about that going into training camp," Lawrence said. "But either way, like I said before, I have the same job. I can't always control all those factors, but I have the same job to do either way. Of course, that'd be ideal to get it done as soon as you can and kinda move forward."
Head coach Doug Pederson said in May that the team and representatives for Lawrence have been working toward a contract extension and was optimistic that negotiations would progress quickly.
The 2021 first overall selection is preparing for his fourth NFL campaign. After earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2022, Lawrence regressed in 2023. He threw a career-high 14 interceptions and was sacked 35 times despite passing for 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns.
The Clemson product battled through multiple injuries throughout the season and missed a game for the first time after making 49 consecutive starts to begin his pro career.
Lawrence is among a group of signal-callers poised to receive an extension. Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, and Tua Tagovailoa headline the contingent, while the Lions rewarded Jared Goff with a four-year, $212-million extension last month. Jacksonville's QB could be the next in line to surpass $50 million per year at the position.
Jacksonville lost five of its final six games last season and missed the playoffs with a 9-8 mark. The collapse is what Lawrence is using as motivation ahead of next season.
"I would say that it does add a chip to your shoulder when you finish the season the way we did," Lawrence said.
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