Jaguars' Pederson hoping for fast extension talks with Lawrence
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson hopes contract negotiations with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence progress quickly and painlessly.
"I think it's part of the business," Pederson said Monday, according to Eric Edholm of NFL.com. "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 general manager) 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."
Lawrence is one of many quarterbacks in line to get a major payday during the 2024 offseason. Jared Goff already became the second-highest-paid passer in the NFL earlier this offseason with a four-year deal reportedly worth $212 million. Tua Tagovailoa, Dak Prescott, and Jordan Love could also receive big-money extensions.
Joe Burrow currently tops the market with a deal worth $55 million a year, and three other passers - Goff, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts - all take home over $50 million annually.
Lawrence's per-season value is projected to be $46.4 million per campaign, according to Spotrac. However, Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday that the 24-year-old is expected to break the $50-million mark, per Tyler Conway of Bleacher Report.
In April, the former No. 1 pick confirmed that contract talks with the Jaguars were underway.
"I'd love to, obviously, be a Jag for as long as possible," Lawrence said, according to Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports. "We love it here, and I love where we're headed as an organization and feel like I'm just getting better every year. My best ball is definitely ahead of me. So, from that standpoint, obviously, yeah, that would be great."
Lawrence finished his third NFL season with 4,016 yards and 21 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.
While his production was down from a season ago, Lawrence battled through multiple injuries - including a knee ailment, a high ankle sprain, a concussion, and a sprained right shoulder - and only missed one game.