According to a team transcript, Baalke stated this week, “We’ve had some great talks and great conversations.” “Last night, I chatted with his agency once more. We are working, but this is not something you can push. In Josh’s case, I predicted that things would take some time, and they did. However, we’re happy that it was finished on time so that we could go on and start our offseason program knowing it was the last thing we had to deal with. We’re working on it and we will keep working on it. Of course, ownership is involved. Coach is participating, so we’ll do our hardest and see if we can accomplish anything here.”
After playing in three NFL seasons, Lawrence is eligible to negotiate a contract extension. He just finished a season in which he completed 4,016 yards of passing for 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Last season, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft struggled through a number of injuries, including an injured right shoulder, a concussion, a high ankle sprain, and a knee issue.
The 2022 season demonstrated the 24-year-old quarterback’s influence on the team. Lawrence guided Jacksonville to the playoffs for the first time since 2017 and was nominated to the Pro Bowl for his performance in his second season behind center. The Jaguars subsequently overcame a 27-0 deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Chargers 31-30 in the wild-card stage, which was one of the largest victories in recent playoff history.
Players from the 2020 draft class received large contract extensions during the previous summer. Following successful seasons, quarterbacks Josh Burrow, Justin Herbert, and Joel Hurts signed new contracts. Jacksonville is now in the running for Lawrence, but since he is still bound by his rookie contract, there is no pressing need to finalize an extension.
The leading receiver in receiving yards from the previous season will not be available for Jacksonville’s offense as Calvin Ridley has joined the AFC South rival Titans. In the upcoming draft next week, the Jaguars will have the No. 17 overall choice, and Baalke hinted that he might choose to choose a different target for Lawrence.
Regarding the WR class, Baalke stated, “I think it’s a very good group of receivers, obviously.” “Those three individuals who everyone seems to be talking about are excellent football players, in my opinion. I believe that some of the boys in the upcoming wave are also really talented football players. I believe that position has quality guys all the way through the draft.”
