JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — *Editor’s Note: This story was first published by the Florida Times-Union.*
Trevor Lawrence spoke about a contract extension with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday, indicating that the team, himself and representatives have had some conversations surrounding a new deal.
“There’s a lot that could happen. It’s not really my focus right now, at the end of the day, my job isn’t going to change whether I get extended or not before this season,” Lawrence said.
“I can’t lie, obviously it would be nice to have that done and feel good about it, but no, it’s not really the focus right now,” he added.
On Thursday, Jaguars general manager Trent Baalke was asked about Lawrence’s comments, confirming again that the team and Lawrence are working toward a contract extension, noting that he and Lawrence’s agency spoke Wednesday night.
“You try not to force anything. We’ve had some great talks and great conversations. I spoke with his agency again last night. We’re working, but you can’t force this stuff,” Baalke said at the team’s pre-draft luncheon, just a week before the 2024 NFL Draft.
Baalke likened the negotiations to those the team just had with outside linebacker Josh Allen and his representatives. He noted that the timing of Allen’s contract extension, getting it done before the offseason program, was important.
For Lawrence, that timeline doesn’t exist with players back in the building, but the two sides continue to work toward an agreement.
“We’re working at it. We’ll continue to work at it. Ownership’s involved, obviously, coaches involved,” Baalke said. “We’re gonna put our best foot forward and hope to get something accomplished here.”
Lawrence is entering the final year of his four-year rookie deal and is eligible to get his fifth-year option picked up.
