Former 1st overall pick and Clemson star Trevor Lawrence inked a $275 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. The deal will pay Lawrence $55 million per season, tied with Cincinnati QB Joe Burrow for the highest annual value in the league. The contract also comes with $200 million guaranteed and $142 million due when signing.
In 2022, Trevor Lawrence led Jacksonville to a 9-8 record and their first division title and playoff berth since 2017, earning a Pro Bowl nod as well. This was highlighted by him leading the Jags to a playoff win, a 31-30 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers where Jacksonville was down 27-0 in the first half. He finished the 2023 season with over 4100 yards, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions, matching the previous 9-8 record, but missing the playoffs.
Is Trevor Lawrence Worth The Money?
With this plateau, it leads people to wonder whether Lawrence will be worth the massive investment. Not only have his numbers been middle of the pack, but he also hasn’t had the same success in terms of winning in comparison to other quarterbacks in his tax bracket, such as Pat Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
The graphic below doesn’t compare him overly favorably to his new backup, former Patriots QB Mac Jones, and Giants QB Daniel Jones. The Joneses are guys that many people see as no more than capable starters, yet their numbers are on par with the new 275-million-dollar man, who’s getting paid in the elite tier of quarterbacks.
Trevor Lawrence has shown many flashes of greatness, just like we all saw when he was leading the Clemson Tigers to the promised land in his college days. The talent he has displayed is indicative of a first-overall pick, work has to be done to get some results.
The higher-ups in the Jags organization have done a good job of surrounding Lawrence with suitable talent. However, the loss of wide receiver Calvin Ridley to the division rival Tennesee Titans could present issues. The addition of rookie Brian Thomas Jr. & former Bill Gabe Davis could help, and still having Evan Engram & Travis Etienne, while adding Arik Armstead to pair with Josh Allen on that defensive line could prove to be immense as well.
The work only has gotten harder and the competition has gotten stiffer, especially in the AFC South. With the rapid rebuild of the Houston Texans led by 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year CJ Stroud, the potential of the Indianapolis Colts with Anthony Richardson coming back in full health, and Will Levis with a duo of receivers DeAndre Hopkins & Calvin Ridley in Tennessee, it’s going to take a whole lot to win the division, let alone make the playoffs or even make it to the Super Bowl.
Jacksonville believes in Trevor Lawrence, and with him now locked up through 2030, we’ll get to see if he can fulfill the promise he has shown so far. All of the potential in the world is there, he and the rest of the team just have to now put it all together.
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