Former Clemson Tigers Star Part of Best NFL Offseason Move
The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of activity, filled with trades, free agent signings, and the annual draft. It’s a time when teams are trying to build the best roster possible to compete for the ultimate prize: the Super Bowl. And this past offseason was no exception, with several high-profile moves that sent shockwaves throughout the league. But one move stood out from the rest, and it involved a former Clemson Tigers star.
Over at PFF, the best moves of the NFL season were highlighted. Former Clemson Tigers star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, was among the players in the piece. The current Jacksonville Jaguars franchise quarterback signed a historic deal this offseason. A five-year, $275 million extension was reportedly agreed to that includes $200 million in guarantees.
It was a historic deal as the Clemson star is now tied for the claim as highest paid player in the NFL. His $55 million annual average is the same as Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, who signed his deal in 2023. The Jags’ decision to lock up Lawrence before the market exploded for quarterbacks was a shrewd move that has the potential to pay dividends for years to come.
Trevor Sikkema of PFF highlighted the massive extension for Lawrence as the best move of the 2024 NFL offseason by the Jaguars. With the quarterback market only going up, it made a lot of sense to get a deal done now.
“The Mitch Morse signing was an option here, but the biggest move was the Jaguars giving Trevor Lawrence his contract extension before Dak Prescott, Jordan Love and Tua Tagovailoa inked new deals. Lawrence’s $275 million deal comes despite the team going without much postseason success since he was drafted. The extension was always going to get done, though, as Lawrence has improved each year and led the Jaguars to two consecutive winning seasons. The Jaguars did the right thing by getting his contract in before the price went up,” Sikkema wrote.
- Former Clemson Tigers star quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, signed a historic five-year, $275 million extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
- Lawrence’s deal includes $200 million in guarantees, making him one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
- The Jaguars’ decision to extend Lawrence’s contract before the quarterback market inflated was a strategic move that could benefit the team in the long run.
- Trevor Sikkema of PFF highlighted Lawrence’s massive extension as the best move of the 2024 NFL offseason by the Jaguars.
- By securing Lawrence’s contract early, the Jaguars avoided a potential bidding war and demonstrated a strong commitment to their young franchise quarterback.
- The move to lock up Lawrence before other quarterbacks like Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, and Tua Tagovailoa signed new deals was considered a masterstroke by analysts.
Why the Jaguars’ Move Was a Masterstroke
The Jaguars’ decision to extend Lawrence’s contract this offseason was a masterclass in strategic thinking. By locking him up before the market exploded, they avoided a potential bidding war that could have seen his price tag climb even higher. They also demonstrated a strong commitment to their young franchise quarterback, giving him the security and stability he needs to thrive in a pressure-cooker environment.
Quarterbacks in the NFL are being paid an exorbitant amount of money. If you have one that is any good, you are going to have to pay top dollar. The Jaguars understand this better than anyone, and they’re willing to pay for it. They’ve invested heavily in Lawrence, and they believe he’s the future of their franchise. They’re betting on him to lead them to the promised land, and they’re willing to pay top dollar to make that happen.
While the former Tigers star hasn’t had as much postseason success in the NFL as he had in college, Lawrence is the face of Jacksonville. Had they waited to sign him to an extension, his annual price could have climbed closer to $60 million. The longer a team waits in the NFL to ink their quarterback to a new deal, the more it will cost them. The Jaguars are paying Lawrence as much for what they project he will do in the future as he has accomplished to this point.
In three seasons as a pro, the Clemson product has recorded a record of 20-30. His production has improved drastically outside of a disastrous rookie season with Urban Meyer as head coach of the team. Turnovers have plagued him at times, but an improved offensive line should help improve that. Jacksonville made a concerted effort to improve in the trenches while adding more firepower to the offensive skill positions.
Lawrence’s Journey to the NFL
Trevor Lawrence’s journey to the NFL is a testament to hard work, dedication, and talent. He dominated college football at Clemson, leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2018. He was widely considered the top prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft, and the Jaguars made him the first overall pick.
Lawrence’s early years in the NFL have been a mixed bag. He struggled in his rookie season under Urban Meyer, but he has shown signs of improvement in recent years. He’s still a work in progress, but he has the potential to be a perennial Pro Bowler and a future Hall of Famer.
The Jaguars’ decision to extend Lawrence’s contract is a gamble, but it’s a gamble that could pay off in a big way. If Lawrence lives up to his potential, he could be the quarterback who leads the Jaguars to their first Super Bowl victory. It’s a bold move by the Jaguars, but it’s a move that could define the future of their franchise.
The Future is Bright for Lawrence and the Jaguars
Lawrence’s journey in the NFL is just beginning. He’s still young, but he’s already shown flashes of brilliance. With the right coaching, the right teammates, and the right support system, he can achieve greatness. The Jaguars have invested heavily in him, and they’re committed to building a winning team around him.
The Jaguars’ decision to extend Lawrence’s contract is a sign of their confidence in him and their belief in his potential. It’s a bold move, but it’s a move that could pay off in a big way. Lawrence has the potential to be a superstar, and the Jaguars have given him the opportunity to realize his full potential. The future is bright for both Lawrence and the Jaguars.
The Importance of Investing in Your Quarterback
The Jaguars’ decision to extend Lawrence’s contract is a reminder of the importance of investing in your quarterback. In the NFL, the quarterback is the most important position on the field. He’s the leader of the offense, the guy who makes the plays, and the guy who can win you games. When you have a franchise quarterback, you need to do everything you can to keep him happy and secure.
The Jaguars are doing just that. They’re investing in Lawrence, and they’re building a team around him. They believe he’s the future of their franchise, and they’re willing to pay top dollar to keep him. It’s a risky move, but it’s a move that could pay off in a big way.
The Jaguars are not alone in their commitment to their young quarterback. The Bengals did the same with Joe Burrow, who has already proven to be a star in the league. The Jets did the same with Aaron Rodgers, who is looking to win a Super Bowl with his new team. The NFL is all about finding a franchise quarterback, and once you find one, you need to do everything you can to keep him.
A Sign of Things to Come in the NFL
Lawrence’s contract extension is a sign of things to come in the NFL. Quarterbacks are becoming more and more valuable, and teams are willing to pay them accordingly. This will only continue as the league evolves and the importance of the quarterback position grows. There is no doubt that Lawrence is among the elite quarterbacks in the league, and the Jaguars are right to invest in him.
The Jaguars are building a team for the future, and Lawrence is the cornerstone of that future. They’re making a statement with their investment in him, and they’re showing the rest of the league that they’re serious about winning. The future looks bright for the Jaguars, and Lawrence is a big reason why.