Executive, agent explain why Jaguars should not wait to pay Trevor Lawrence

Former NFL general manager Randy Mueller recently suggested that the Jacksonville Jaguars should wait until at least next offseason to sign quarterback Trevor Lawrence to what likely will be a massive contract extension.

An unnamed "NFL front office executive not affiliated with the Jaguars" disagrees and told ESPN's Michael DiRocco that Lawrence's deal could end up being slightly more expensive than the four-year extension that included $170M guaranteed and could be worth up to $212M that Detroit Lions starter Jared Goff signed earlier this offseason.

"As for the structure of the deal, it should be similar to the deal Goff received," the executive told DiRocco. "Goff's contract is a four-year extension that kicks in after the 2024 season and includes a $78M signing bonus. The Lions will spread that number over five seasons at $14.6M per season."

Over the past few months, much has been made about whether the Jaguars should lock Lawrence down now or wait and see if he can enjoy another bounce-back season as he did in 2022. He dealt with multiple injury-related setbacks as the Jaguars went from 8-3 to 9-8 en route to missing the playoffs this past campaign, and he tossed 14 interceptions across 16 games.

Goff played in a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams and guided the 2023 Lions to the NFC Championship Game this past January. To compare, Lawrence thus far has made just two career playoff starts. Nevertheless, the front office executive noted that "the price is only going to go up" if Lawrence enjoys even a solid 2024 season.

Per Pro Football Reference, Lawrence ended this past regular season ranked 18th in the NFL among qualified players with a 56.1 adjusted QBR. Such information means little to an agent who requested anonymity and told DiRocco that "you can't win on stats" and that "it takes time for quarterbacks to peak" at the highest level.

"Great quarterbacks don't grow on trees," that agent added. "Plus, there's something to be said about keeping the face of your franchise happy."

The Jaguars technically don't have to do anything regarding Lawrence's future, as they hold his rights through 2025 and can use the franchise tag to keep him after that. Ultimately, the Jacksonville front office will be taking a risk whether or not Lawrence inks an extension before Week 1 of the upcoming season arrives.