Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence "no way" deserves mammoth contract extension despite being an elite talent, says Dan Orlovsky
On Sunday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars are in discussion with Trevor Lawrence for a contract extension, likely making him the next quarterback to join the $50 million annual salary club. But Dan Orlovsky has his questions.
Speaking on ESPN's "NFL Live" on Monday, Orlovsky said he doesn't believe Trevor Lawrence deserves a mammoth contract extension this year. The analyst mentioned that Lawrence hasn't ascended into the conversation of being a top-tier quarterback to deserve the money:
"There's no way that we could sit here and say he deserves elite money right now," Orlovsky said. "I mean, he's an elite talent. And you would be paying him because you expect him to become any elite quarterback you would expect him to finally vault into for the year in the top eight quarterback conversation... Trevor hasn't like ascended into that just yet."
Orlovsky said that Trevor Lawrence's first year doesn't count because of the whole Urban Meyer controversy. He further added that the Jaguars QB's numbers under head coach Doug Pederson aren't very impressive enough to deserve the elite money that the team wants to give him:
"I know there's a ton of pressure on him to live up to expectations... There's no way that Jags go elite money. They're 17 and 16 with him as a starting quarterback... So, good. But certainly not into that elite conversation just yet really fast."
Jaguars HC Doug Pederson hopes Trevor Lawrence's contract extension gets done soon
The duo of Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson has worked out well so far for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Speaking to the reporters ahead of Day 1 of OTAs, Pederson said the sooner the contract extension gets done, the better it is for both parties:
"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.
He added:
"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."
Trevor Lawrence took a huge leap in 2022 after a shaky rookie season. The Jacksonville Jaguars won the AFC South division title for the first time in five years. Lawrence led the team to a massive 27-point comeback win in the divisional round against the Los Angeles Chargers.
In 2023, Lawrence regressed a bit. His touchdowns dropped and there was an uptick in his interception rate. Lawrence was also battling injuries.
This offseason, the team brought help for Lawrence in the signing of former Bills WR Gabe Davis and drafting former LSU star Brian Thomas Jr. The Jaguars will hope Lawrence comes back to being his best this year as they look to make the most of his rookie deal.