Should the Jacksonville Jaguars pay Trevor Lawrence? Former general manager Randy Mueller weighs in

The Jacksonville Jaguars are at a crossroads with their young quarterback, Trevor Lawrence. As discussions over a potential contract extension intensified, former NFL general manager Randy Mueller raised some intriguing questions about whether the Jaguars should rush to pay Lawrence before September.

Jacksonville Jaguars should take cautious approach

Randy Mueller, now at The Athletic, shared his thoughts on the matter in a recent article. “From what I know, I wouldn’t reset the market right now for Lawrence, who has two years and $31.3 million left on his contract, although I would see if I can sign him for less (which probably isn’t realistic, but okay worth a try). ),” Mueller commented. “Without that, I would prefer to slow things down, knowing I have him under contract through 2025 and the franchise tag available after that if necessary, while keeping my options open.”

This perspective suggests a more conservative approach, taking advantage of the existing contract and potential franchise tag to delay a major financial commitment.

Trevor Lawrence’s difficult start

The beginning of Trevor Lawrence’s career has been a rollercoaster. His rookie season was marred by Urban Meyer’s tumultuous tenure as head coach. However, 2022 marked a significant change under Doug Pederson. However, the 24-year-old quarterback faced multiple injury setbacks in the 2023 season, raising concerns about his consistency.

Statistics from Pro Football Reference reveal that Lawrence ranked 18th in the NFL with an adjusted QBR of 56.1 and 16th in passing success rate at 46.4 percent. He threw for 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 16 games, and the Jaguars finished the season 9-8 after a strong 8-3 start.

The flaws and the potential

NFL insider Albert Breer noted that Lawrence was “raw” coming out of Clemson, highlighting the need for continued development. Mueller echoed these sentiments, noting: “His internal clock (knowing when to snap the ball) and his decision-making under pressure are still a work in progress. “Lawrence seems to want to get out of the bag as soon as possible rather than stepping forward,” added Mueller, “he rarely gets to a second or third reading because he doesn’t give the big picture of the work’s design enough time to reveal itself.” . “

These criticisms underscore the development hurdles Lawrence still faces. However, despite these challenges, there is optimism within the Jaguars camp.

Doug Pederson’s Optimism

Head coach Doug Pederson remains hopeful about Lawrence’s future and his contract situation. Last week, Pederson expressed confidence that Lawrence would sign an extension before the Jaguars open the 2024 season against the Miami Dolphins on September 8. This optimism indicates a belief in Lawrence’s potential and the team’s commitment to him.

Mueller, however, warns against a hasty financial commitment. “Lawrence still needs to grow, and paying him money to set the market would make it more difficult to give him the help he needs to continue growing,” he explained.

The risk of waiting

While a cautious approach seems prudent, there is inherent risk. If Lawrence has a big season between Week 1 and Super Bowl LIX, his market value could skyrocket, making him significantly more expensive to retain. This scenario could force the Jaguars into a more challenging financial situation next spring.

In the end, the decision to pay Trevor Lawrence is a complex one, balancing immediate financial prudence with the potential long-term gains of securing a franchise quarterback. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Lawrence and the Jaguars front office to see how this high-stakes deal plays out.

Source- Yardbarker