Jaguars HC Doug Pederson wants to see star QB Trevor Lawrence get paid

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence have been negotiating a contract extension. Based on a recent report, it looks like it's a matter of time before they strike a deal. Head coach Doug Pederson, for his part, wants to see the star quarterback get paid as soon as possible.

Pederson told the local media on the first day of Organized Team Activities that he's hopeful Lawrence will get a new deal. He then added that the sooner it happens, the faster they'll be able to turn their attention to other things.

"It's part of the business," Doug Pederson said. "But the sooner you get it done, it's just behind everybody, and now we focus on football, so that's not lingering, that's not out there. I know Trent [Baalke], his agent, they've continued to talk and we'll talk and they're working hard and tirelessly. I just got to go to coach Trevor and coach football and hopefully, it gets done, and it will."

Early in the offseason, Lawrence said that he had begun contract talks with the Jaguars. Later, general manager Trent Baalke confirmed that negotiations were ongoing. More recently, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that both sides had been working on getting a deal done, and it may be a matter of time before they make it happen. Based on Pederson's remarks, it could indeed be taken care of at any time. Here's his full exchange with the media.

What's next for the Jaguars after giving Trevor Lawrence an extension?

Lawrence's deal is expected to be around $50 million but nobody will bat an eye if it's bigger than the one Jared Goff just signed. It will probably include a big signing bonus and a considerable guarantee. However, the cap hit the next two or three years should be manageable. This will be done to give the front office the flexibility to maneuver and make any potential additions to the roster.

One benefit of getting a deal done is that the Jaguars could turn their attention to other players. Andre Cisco is also entering a contract year. If the team's brass thinks he's part of their long-term plans, they're better off giving him an extension before his value increases.

Cornerback Tyson Campbell and offensive tackle Walker Little are also entering the last year of their respective rookie deals. While their future in Jacksonville is a bit murkier than that of fellow draftees Lawrence or Cisco, they may prove in 2024 that they also deserve to get paid. If they do, the Jaguars can begin contract talks as soon as the season ends, instead of having to wait like they did with Josh Allen or tight end Evan Engram.

For his part, getting paid will let Lawrence fully focus on having a breakout season and showing once and for all that he deserved the generational talent tag coming out of college. Although he's previously made it clear that getting paid isn't his priority, he won't have to actively think about it if he checks off that box.

Ultimately, it looks like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence are on the same wavelength when it comes to contract talks. While devoid of intrigue, that's the best possible scenario everyone can hope for.

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