Trevor Lawrence Joins NFL’s Elite: Inside His Massive Contract Extension

Trevor Lawrence/image credit-X

The Jacksonville Jaguars have solidified their faith in Trevor Lawrence by rewarding him with one of the most lucrative contracts in NFL history. Selected first overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Lawrence has emerged as the franchise quarterback the Jaguars hoped he would be. After leading Jacksonville through four seasons of development and improvement, the team signed him to a significant contract extension ahead of the 2024 NFL season, placing him among the highest-paid players in the league. Here’s a detailed look at the specifics of Lawrence’s deal, how it compares to other top NFL quarterbacks, and what it means for the future of the Jaguars.

Trevor Lawrence’s Contract Details: A Groundbreaking Deal

In 2024, Trevor Lawrence inked a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars. This mammoth deal places him alongside some of the NFL’s most elite quarterbacks in terms of salary and total contract value. Lawrence’s extension averages an annual value (AAV) of $55 million, making him the second-highest-paid player in the league, tied with Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow. Both quarterbacks now share the distinction of having identical AAVs and contract totals, solidifying their spots as cornerstones for their respective franchises.

The key difference between Lawrence’s and Burrow’s contracts lies in the guaranteed money. While Burrow leads with $219.01 million guaranteed, Lawrence isn’t far behind with $200 million guaranteed in his contract. This substantial financial commitment underscores the Jaguars’ confidence in Lawrence’s ability to lead the team for years to come. Lawrence’s deal, which covers five seasons, is a testament to his performance over the past four years, where he’s shown consistent growth and development as the Jaguars’ offensive leader.

Comparison to NFL’s Highest Paid Quarterbacks

Lawrence’s massive extension ranks him among the top earners in the NFL. Currently, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott holds the title of highest-paid NFL player in terms of average annual value, thanks to his $240 million extension signed before the 2024 season, which pays him a league-high $60 million per year. Prescott also has the most guaranteed money in his deal, with a staggering $231 million guaranteed, surpassing Deshaun Watson’s previously record-breaking $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.

However, in terms of total contract value, Lawrence’s $275 million deal, while impressive, falls behind Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who signed a record 10-year, $450 million contract in 2020. Mahomes’ contract, while lengthy, has since been restructured to ensure he receives $208.1 million in guarantees over the 2023–2026 seasons, with potential for more renegotiations in the future.

NFL’s Highest Paid Quarterbacks in 2024

As of the 2024 NFL season, the league’s highest-paid players are all quarterbacks. Here’s a breakdown of the top earners by various financial metrics:

Average Annual Value (AAV):

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: $60 million
2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: $55 million
3. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: $55 million
4. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: $55 million
5. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins: $53.1 million
6. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: $53 million
7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: $52.5 million
8. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: $52 million
9. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: $51 million
10. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: $46.1 million

Guaranteed Money:

1. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: $231 million
2. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: $230 million
3. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: $219.01 million
4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: $218.74 million
5. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: $200 million
6. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: $185 million
7. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: $179.4 million
8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions: $170.61 million
9. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins: $167.17 million
10. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: $160.3 million

Total Contract Value:

1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs: $450 million
2. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: $275 million
3. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: $275 million
4. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: $262.5 million
5. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: $260 million
6. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: $258.04 million
7. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: $255 million
8. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: $240 million
9. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals: $230.5 million
10. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: $230 million

What Trevor Lawrence’s Extension Means for the Jaguars

With Lawrence locked in for the next five years, the Jaguars are signaling their long-term investment in their quarterback and their commitment to building a Super Bowl-contending team around him. The hefty financial package highlights how much Jacksonville values Lawrence’s leadership and potential as a franchise quarterback. After years of instability at the quarterback position, the Jaguars have finally found stability in Lawrence, a generational talent who continues to improve year by year.

The deal also positions Jacksonville among the NFL’s elite teams in terms of quarterback investment. By committing to Lawrence, the Jaguars are joining a growing trend in the NFL, where young quarterbacks with high potential are rewarded with massive contracts early in their careers to secure their futures with their teams.

FAQs About Trevor Lawrence

Q: What is Trevor Lawrence’s contract with the Jaguars?
A: Trevor Lawrence signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the 2024 NFL season. The contract includes $200 million in guaranteed money and has an average annual value (AAV) of $55 million.

Q: Is Trevor Lawrence the highest-paid NFL quarterback?
A: No, Trevor Lawrence is not the highest-paid NFL quarterback. In terms of average annual value, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys holds the top spot with $60 million. However, Lawrence is among the highest-paid, tied with Joe Burrow at $55 million AAV.

Q: How does Trevor Lawrence’s contract compare to other NFL quarterbacks?
A: Lawrence’s contract is similar to Joe Burrow’s, both earning $275 million over five years. However, Burrow has slightly more guaranteed money at $219.01 million compared to Lawrence’s $200 million. In terms of total contract value, Lawrence’s deal is the third-largest in the NFL, behind Patrick Mahomes’ $450 million deal.

Q: What are the Jaguars’ expectations for Trevor Lawrence after signing this contract?
A: The Jaguars expect Trevor Lawrence to continue his upward trajectory as their franchise quarterback. By locking him in with a massive contract extension, the team is betting on Lawrence to lead them to sustained success and possibly a Super Bowl in the coming years.