Jaguars GM commits to Lawrence extension, Allen return

Jacksonville Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke doesn't see quarterback Trevor Lawrence or star pass-rusher Josh Allen going anywhere.

Baalke told reporters Thursday that he had "no doubt" that Lawrence, who is eligible for a new deal, was the franchise's long-term quarterback and that an extension would get signed at some point in the future, according to NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe.

"We're going to get something done at the appropriate time," Baalke said, per NFL Network's Andrew Siciliano.

On the other side of the ball, Baalke promised that Allen "is going to be a Jaguar next year," per Wolfe.

Allen is scheduled to be a free agent this offseason but has seen his value skyrocket after posting a career-high 17.5 sacks this campaign. Baalke added that negotiations haven't started yet. The front office will also have the franchise tag at its disposal.

Lawrence is coming off a shaky 2023 campaign in which he threw 21 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and posted an 8-8 record. His play noticeably dropped off down the stretch as he battled injuries. Lawrence threw seven interceptions over his final four games.

"I think Trevor had another learning year," Baalke mentioned, per Siciliano.

The 2021 No. 1 pick is under contract through 2024, though the Jaguars can also exercise a fifth-year option to keep Lawrence under team control through 2025.

Meanwhile, Baalke expressed less certainty toward the future of wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who is also slated for free agency. Ridley caught 76 balls for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns in 2023.

"We would love to have Calvin back," Baalke said, according to NFL.com's Eric Edholm. "We are going to work through that. What that means is, I don't know right now."

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