Should Jacksonville Jaguars Have Extended Trevor Lawrence’s Contract Despite His Underwhelming Start?

It is the sign of the times. We all contribute to making the National Football League (NFL) a private club for the wealthy. NFL teams are now willing to pay any above-average quarterback an exorbitant amount of money, hoping that he will lead them to the Super Bowl—a game that has become so hyped that it is perhaps considered the most significant event in the sports world. If quarterback contracts continue to escalate as they have, soon teams will be able to afford only one above-average player on the entire roster—the quarterback.

The Jacksonville Jaguars, a team once known for its success, have been on a downward spiral. Despite this, they recently extended Trevor Lawrence’s contract. This raises the question: was it the right move given his underwhelming start to his career? Let's delve into the details.

Trevor Lawrence's Early Success and Struggles

Trevor Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, has shown flashes of brilliance and moments of underperformance. Even setting his rookie year aside, where Urban Meyer's foul play and mismanagement led to a disastrous season, we can evaluate his recent performance. In the past two seasons, Lawrence has been good to average. However, the specifics of these performances show a mixed bag of results.

Lawrence's Recent Season Analysis

Lawrence has won exactly one playoff game, and even this victory was marred by his performance. In the playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers, he orchestrated a tremendous comeback that allowed the Jags to eke out a win. However, Trevor Lawrence put his team in a difficult position by throwing four interceptions in the first quarter. The team's reliance on such high-stakes throws indicates a lack of trust in Lawrence’s ability to lead the team consistently.

Moreover, the way Lawrence celebrated with his team at Waffle House demonstrates his genuine southern upbringing and character, which cannot be denied. His humility and joy after a close win are traits that are undoubtedly valuable within the team environment. However, these personal attributes alone do not justify his contract extension given his on-field performance.

Evaluating the Decision to Extend the Contract

Personally, I believe the Jags paid Trevor Lawrence too much, too soon. Despite his flashes of brilliance, there is nothing that he has accomplished that warrants such a large contract. He is yet to prove his consistency, leadership, and ability to carry the team to extended periods of success. The Jags' bold move could set a dangerous precedent in the NFL, potentially leading to a cycle where teams trade long-term success for short-term satisfaction with young, promising quarterbacks.

Extending a contract to a quarterback who has shown inconsistency and struggles in critical moments is a risky proposition. It is essential for the Jags to keep a close eye on Lawrence's development and ensure that his performance improves significantly before justifying such a large financial commitment. The market for quarterbacks is certainly crazy, with teams willing to pay enormous sums for less-than-stellar performances, but we must hold teams accountable for their decisions and not rush into contracts that could backfire in the long run.

Conclusion

In conclusion, extending Trevor Lawrence’s contract despite his underwhelming start to his career was a risky move. While his genuine character and moments of brilliance are admirable, they do not substantiate the investment made by the Jacksonville Jaguars. The team should focus on improving Lawrence's on-field performance and consistency before making such a significant financial commitment. It is a difficult decision, but maintaining accountability and integrity in the market is crucial for the long-term success of the team.