Pederson: Lawrence Deal ‘Will’ Get Done

Will Trevor Lawrence be the latest NFL quarterback to sign a blockbuster extension?

Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said in his Monday press conference before the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) that the team and Lawrence’s reps are working on a new deal.

GETTY IMAGES: What will Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence’s new contract look like?

“Obviously, the sooner you get it done, it’s behind everybody and now we focus on football,” Pederson said, before insisting a deal would get done. “And so that’s not lingering, and that’s not out there.

“They’ve continued to talk, and will talk, and they’re working hard and tirelessly. I’ve just got to coach Trevor and coach football and hopefully it gets done — and it will.”

After an abysmal rookie season under then-coach Urban Meyer as the No. 1 overall pick in 2021, Lawrence has fared much better in his two seasons under Pederson’s tutelage.

In 2022, he passed for more than 4,000 yards, threw 25 touchdowns and cut his interceptions to 8 after an NFL-most 17 as a rookie. He also made the Pro Bowl.

Lawrence played through multiple injuries last season and regressed some but still passed for more than 4,000 yards and threw more than 20 touchdowns.

But his interception total went back up to double digits, at 14. His passer rating dipped to 88.5 after a personal best 95.2 in 2022.

Look for Lawrence’s new deal, when signed, to average no lower than $40 million annually (Daniel Jones territory) but probably not higher than $52 million (Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert neighborhood).

Tua Reports

Lawrence is not the only quarterback due for an extension.

Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa is reporting to the team’s OTAs while currently negotiating for a new contract. 

The number five overall pick of the 2020 NFL Draft is currently under the team’s fifth-year option and raised eyebrows when he reportedly missed most of the voluntary workouts earlier in the offseason.

But no holdout is necessary as a new deal should be coming relatively soon for the Pro Bowler who has led the Dolphins to the playoffs in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2000-01.

Also on the agenda for the Dolphins is an extension for their 2021 first round pick, WR Jaylen Waddle, after a benchmark has been set by DeVonta Smith, Waddle’s former college teammate and draft class member who serves a similar role as a high-end number two receiving option.

Holding Out?

While Tua showed up, a star from the 2020 NFL Draft was absent on the first day of his team’s OTAs.

All-Pro wideout Justin Jefferson, also due for a new contract, did not appear at the Minnesota Vikings’ first practice.

It is hard to argue that a receiver is better than the 24-year-old at the moment. His league-leading 1,809 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in 2022 would have been surpassed in 2023 if not for injury. He still finished the most recent campaign with 1,074 yards and five touchdowns in just 10 games.

Now, he is seeking to be the highest paid receiver in NFL history. Raiders WR Davante Adams currently holds the distinction in total value while A.J. Brown of the Eagles recently received the highest per-year average.

Rice Arrives In KC

Chiefs receiver Rashee Rice, under scrutiny for multiple legal incidents, reported to camp and practiced with the team for the start of OTAs.

Rice faces charges stemming from a car racing incident in March and more recently was accused of assault at a Dallas-area club.

The defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs picked Rice 55th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft and, after a typically average start for a rookie, increased his role as the season progressed.

Rice finished his rookie season with 938 receiving yards and helped lead Kansas City to its second straight Super Bowl.

The Chiefs used their first-round pick in April on a wide receiver, taking speed demon and NFL Combine record-setter Xavier Worthy at 32nd overall out of Texas 

DeJean Deal

Cooper DeJean, the Eagles’ second round pick of the 2024 Draft, signed his rookie contract on Monday.

The versatile defensive back became the eighth member of the team’s draft class to put the pen to paper on their first NFL deal.

Only first round pick Quinyon Mitchell has yet to sign. 

– Geoff Mosher and Benjamin Paul contributed to this story.