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Announced today, the Jaguars have officially signed its No. 1 overall, quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The former Clemson Tigers quarterback would become the franchise’s first first-overall pick in its history.
According to a report from NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Lawrence’s deal will be for four years, worth $36.8M including a $24.1M signing bonus. The deal will also include a $24.1M signing bonus and a typical fifth-year option, a standard in the modern-day first-round pick rookie deals.
Trevor Lawrence already passed his physical and will get his signing bonus paid in full within 15 days, per source. The deal, negotiated by @mgcsports, includes no offset language and annual roster bonuses in 2022-2024, which are guaranteed even in the event he's on active/NFI. https://t.co/z9e3Aj2LNr
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 5, 2021
Pelisorro would also mention Lawrence’s contract structure that includes no offset language, essentially allowing the quarterback to double-dip in salary if he were to be released prior to his fifth season. The deal will also include annual roster bonuses even in the event Lawrence is on the team’s active/non-football injury list.
With the team agreeing to no offset language in Lawrence’s deal, it would appear they relented in their desire to include it in his contract. Last week, it was reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the team wanted to include the offsetting language in his deal.
The Jaguars now will have their eyes set on its remaining three picks in its second first-round selection, running back Travis Etienne, along with second-round picks, cornerback Tyson Campbell and offensive tackle Walker Little. Those deals are expected to be done prior to the team opening training camp in late July.
Lawrence is expected to be the team’s Week 1 starting quarterback, however, it has not been made official by the team as of yet.
The future franchise quarterback has thus far excelled during the offseason, impressing his coaches and players. Jaguars cornerback Shaquill Griffin would praise the young quarterback earlier this spring after going up against him during minicamp and OTAs.
“The rotation of the ball, the timing, the way he’s putting it there, away from everybody, it’s just insane to see that so early in a quarterback,” Griffin said of Lawrence. “You’re talking about coming in the league with so much high hopes and he’s proving it.”
The Jaguars will hope Lawrence continues to prove it as he starts his NFL career, now officially under contract.