The Jacksonville Jaguars have arguably just made the biggest splash of the offseason. Earlier today, the team decided to give QB Trevor Lawrence a record contract extension. This five-year, $275 million extension makes Lawrence the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL annually.
While Lawrence does have legitimate talent, there were certainly other factors that led to this contract. When you take a closer look at the rest of the NFL, you will discover that Lawrence is the biggest benefactor of poor quarterback play around him. Read below to find out how.
Poor Quarterback Contracts Reset Market
![REPORT: Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Benefits Most From Bad Quarterbacks After Record Contract 1 Sep 24, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Amari Cooper (not pictured) during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/USATSI_21495869-scaled-e1697221646638.jpg)
Some notable quarterback contracts allowed Lawrence to get to where he is today. There are two specific quarterbacks that are still some of the highest-paid in the NFL today that will shock you.
One of these quarterbacks is Daniel Jones of the New York Giants. He is in the second year of a $160 million contract that lasts for four years. While the Giants can technically opt out after 2024, this contract is still looking like a complete disaster after year one.
At one point in 2023, Jones and Lawrence surprisingly had very similar stats. Yet, the two quarterbacks are viewed a lot differently. Jones may be on his way out, while Lawrence is viewed as the face of the franchise.
Then, there is Deshaun Watson of the Cleveland Browns. He signed a $230 million contract that lasts for five years. This is also the largest fully guaranteed contract in NFL history.
How has that worked out for the Browns? Well, Watson missed the majority of the 2023 season due to multiple injuries. Cleveland did not skip a beat, as they still made the playoffs with veteran QB Joe Flacco, who won Comeback Player of the Year last season.
What do Jones and Watson have in common? Both have dealt with injuries and have played poorly since being awarded their new contracts. As a result, it has made better quarterbacks worth more money.
Poor Quarterback Draft Classes Recently
![REPORT: Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Benefits Most From Bad Quarterbacks After Record Contract 2 Las Vegas Raiders, Christian Wilkins](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USATSI_22127400-scaled-e1709695232468.jpg)
Trevor Lawrence was the first overall draft pick in 2021. While he ended up with a record contract extension, other quarterbacks in his class are currently fighting to stay in the NFL. These quarterbacks include Zach Wilson, Trey Lance, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones. All of these quarterbacks have been traded from the teams that drafted them.
Looking ahead to the 2022 draft class, it does not get much better. Kenny Pickett and Sam Howell recently lost their starting jobs. The only bright spot in this quarterback draft class seems to be Brock Purdy.
What does this mean for Lawrence? It means that his competition is for the most part mediocre. As a result, the demand for Lawrence’s skillset increases as one of the few bright spots from these two draft classes.
Jacksonville Jaguars Moving Forward
![REPORT: Jacksonville Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence Benefits Most From Bad Quarterbacks After Record Contract 3 Jacksonville Jaguars](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/USATSI_21936566_168400517_lowres-e1701366241108.jpg)
Now, the Jacksonville Jaguars have unofficially made Lawrence the face of their franchise. The team will attempt to bounce back in 2024 after missing the playoffs last season. With a massive stadium renovation upcoming plus a massive contract extension for LB Josh Allen, Jacksonville hopes that Lawrence will lead them to a bright future.
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