Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars have engaged in contract negotiations for some time now, but the process has not resulted in an extension for the 24-year-old quarterback.
Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson knows there's only so much he can do to expedite the process, but he believes the earlier it gets done, the better it will be for both sides.
"I think it's part of the business," Pederson said. "Obviously the sooner you get it done, right, it's behind everybody, and now we focus on football, and so that's not lingering and that's not out there.
"I know (Jaguars GM) Trent (Baalke) and (Lawrence's) agent, they've continued to talk and will talk, and they're working hard and tirelessly. I've just got to coach Trevor and coach football, and hopefully it gets done, and it will."
Prior to the 2024 NFL Draft, Baalke said in April that the two sides have made some progress but that “you can’t force this stuff.” The Jaguars have had a busy offseason, which included signing pass rusher Josh Allen to a five-year, $150 million deal. Baalke indicated then that these negotiations often take longer than some expect.
Lawrence is eligible to sign a contract extension now after having accrued three full NFL seasons. The former No. 1 overall pick from the 2021 draft threw for more than 4,000 yards for the second straight season in 2023 but suffered through multiple injuries last year, including a knee injury, a high ankle sprain, a concussion and a sprained right shoulder.
In addition to staying healthy, Pederson just hopes that his quarterback will continue to grow as a leader for his Jaguars, which went from winning a postseason game in the 2022 season to stumbling and missing the playoffs in 2023 following an 8-3 mark to start the campaign.
"Well, this time of the year, obviously the leadership," Pederson said. "A veteran guy, guys, they're gonna look up to him. How well he incorporates some of the young players that we do have, that we're working with and developing, obviously (2024 first-round wide receiver) Brian (Thomas Jr.) being one of them now.
"Working with Mitch (Morse), working with Luke (Fortner), all these guys, getting time with Gabe (Davis) and just getting comfortable there. But I think the leadership part of leading this football team and really embracing that this time of the year, and then that carries over to camp."
