Jaguars GM: Trevor Lawrence Contract Extension Talks Have Started; Still 'Ongoing'

The Jacksonville Jaguars are wasting no time when it comes to negotiating a contract extension for quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke told NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe on Thursday that the team has already begun extension talks with Lawrence and that those negotiations are ongoing.

"We've started discussions and, as you know, those are going to be ongoing," Baalke said. "And again, none of this stuff happens overnight. You work diligently between the two parties to try to get something done. You want to keep good football players."

Lawrence, who will be entering his fourth NFL season in 2024, is among the top quarterbacks from the 2021 draft class available for a contract extension this offseason, and he's expected to land a significant deal.

The 24-year-old's market value is listed at six years and $295.1 million or $49.1 million annually, according to Spotrac. Such a deal would make him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, joining the likes of Joe Burrow ($55 million AAV), Justin Herbert ($52.5 million AAV) and Lamar Jackson ($52 million AAV).

The Jaguars have long expressed confidence in working out a contract extension for Lawrence. Baalke indicated in January that there is optimism the two sides would strike a deal at the appropriate time.

"As far as Trevor and the long-term relationship with this team, there's no doubt in that," Baalke said, per ProFootballTalk's Myles Simmons. "We're going to get something done at the appropriate time."

The Jaguars selected Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft, and after a rough rookie season, he put together a breakout 2022 campaign, completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 4,113 yards and 25 touchdowns against eight interceptions in 17 games.

Lawrence went on to earn his first career Pro Bowl selection and also finished seventh in MVP voting.

The 2023 campaign was a different story for Lawrence, who struggled in part due to a number of injuries, most notably a high ankle sprain. He ended up missing the first game of his professional career due to a sprained shoulder.

Lawrence finished the year having completed 65.6 percent of his passes for 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns against 14 interceptions in 16 games.

Regardless of his performance last season, Lawrence is still more than deserving of a lucrative contract extension. He has flashed potential as a franchise quarterback, and this feels like only the beginning for the rising signal-caller.

If he's fully healthy next season, he should once again be among the top passers in the league.