REPORT: Jaguars May Regret Trevor Lawrence’s $275 Million Contract

Last week, the Jacksonville Jaguars made NFL history by signing Trevor Lawrence to a groundbreaking five-year, $275 million contract, with $200 million guaranteed. This contract, which averages out to $55 million per year, makes Lawrence the highest-paid player in the league. To put that in perspective, Lawrence will be earning approximately $3.2 million per regular season game if he plays all 17 games each season over the next five years. Given that top NFL teams average around three offensive touchdowns per game, Lawrence could be earning around $1 million for every touchdown the Jaguars score.

Is the Lawrence Deal a Good Investment?

Despite the staggering numbers, opinions on whether this deal is beneficial for the Jaguars are mixed. According to Bleacher Report, the contract may not be worth its hefty price tag.

Jacksonville Jaguars Wanted to Make a Statement

Big contracts in the NFL often correlate more with timing than with a player’s ranking among the league’s elite quarterbacks. For instance, in 2022, Josh Allen and Deshaun Watson were the two highest-paid quarterbacks. While Allen is considered a top-five quarterback, Watson’s performance doesn’t match his contract. The Browns, however, wanted to make a bold statement, leading to Watson’s deal.

Historically, the Jaguars have struggled to escape the NFL’s lower echelons. By securing Lawrence, they hope to change that narrative. This lucrative contract serves several purposes. Firstly, it thrusts Jacksonville into the spotlight, a space usually occupied by teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Jets. Secondly, it conveys a strong message of faith in Lawrence, suggesting that despite last season’s struggles, the franchise is committed to treating him as the best quarterback in the league. This could potentially boost Lawrence’s confidence and, by extension, the team’s performance.

Critics Question the Value of the Deal

However, the deal comes with significant financial implications, limiting the Jaguars’ flexibility with their salary cap. The team is now committed to Lawrence for five years, a period during which they must hope he lives up to the hefty investment. Bleacher Report remains skeptical, citing the Jaguars’ current position and Lawrence’s performance thus far. They note that Jacksonville hasn’t finished above 9-8 with Lawrence and point out his 21st-place ranking among NFL passers in 2023.

Last season, the Jaguars showed early promise with a 6-2 start, later extending to 8-3. At that peak, few would have questioned the wisdom of Lawrence’s contract. However, their fortunes reversed sharply after a crushing 34-3 defeat to the San Francisco 49ers. Jacksonville finished the season 1-5, missing the playoffs.

Looking Forward

For the Jaguars, the hope is that this bold move will pay off, both in terms of performance and the franchise’s profile. The next few seasons will reveal whether Trevor Lawrence can rise to the challenge and lead Jacksonville to sustained success, justifying the historic investment in his talent.