Lawrence’s reported $275M Jaguars extension sets stage for Purdy

Jacksonville has secured its franchise quarterback, and this move could have significant implications for San Francisco 49ers’ signal-caller Brock Purdy.

The Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence have agreed to a five-year, $275 million extension, as reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport. The deal includes $200 million in guaranteed money, with $142 million guaranteed at signing. This contract ties Lawrence with Cincinnati Bengals star Joe Burrow as the highest-paid players in the NFL, with an annual average of $55 million.

Purdy, who led the 49ers to Super Bowl LVIII last season, becomes eligible for a new contract after the 2024 NFL season. Should he deliver another MVP-caliber performance, the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft is expected to command a lucrative deal. The recent extensions of Lawrence and Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff are likely setting the benchmark for Purdy’s upcoming contract negotiations.

Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, had a solid but unspectacular 2023 season. He threw for 4,016 yards with a 65.6% completion rate, 21 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions over 16 games. Despite the Jaguars finishing 9-8 for the second consecutive season, they missed the playoffs in a more competitive AFC South.

In 2022, Lawrence guided the Jaguars to the postseason, where they staged an improbable comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional round. To bolster their offense, Jacksonville added wide receiver Gabe Davis from the Buffalo Bills and drafted Brian Thomas Jr. out of LSU with the No. 23 overall pick. Mac Jones, formerly of the New England Patriots, is set to be Lawrence’s backup.

With Lawrence’s new deal and other recent quarterback contracts, the market for elite QBs is rapidly escalating. This sets a high bar for Brock Purdy, who could be next in line for a significant payday if he continues his impressive trajectory.