ESPN Suggests $275M QB is Running Out of Time

ESPN reported on Wednesday, September 18, that time may be running short for one NFL quarterback who signed a massive deal just this past offseason.

In the NFL, signing a big contract comes with immediate pressure to perform, as fans grow restless if results don’t match the high expectations. Quarterbacks, in particular, face scrutiny the moment they ink those lucrative deals, and the pressure only intensifies if the performance doesn’t follow.

In a recent ESPN report, analysts Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano were asked about the most surprising quarterback situation through two weeks of the season. Fowler’s response raised concerns for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, who has yet to live up to his $275 million extension signed during the 2024 NFL offseason.

“The Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence needs to play up to his billing, and he hasn't for a while now," Fowler said. "Sunday's loss to Cleveland was reminiscent of last season, with four trips to the red zone and just one touchdown to show for it."

Lawrence, the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft, was seen as the quarterback destined to bring the Jaguars back to relevance. However, his recent struggles, including a seven-game losing streak dating back to last season, have put him in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

"His seven-game losing streak dating to last season is worst among active quarterbacks," Fowler added. "The Jaguars have built the team around Lawrence, who signed a five-year, $275 million contract this offseason. His pedigree suggests he's much better than this, and his strong 2022 season showed the ability to fix this. It needs to happen soon."

Lawrence’s five-year deal, worth $275 million with $200 million guaranteed, made him one of the NFL’s highest-paid players, tied for the second-highest average annual salary at $55 million.

However, his inconsistent play has raised concerns. While he showed flashes of greatness in 2022—highlighted by a remarkable 27-point playoff comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers and a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the divisional round—his recent performances have been underwhelming.

In 2023, Lawrence threw 21 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. Now, with back-to-back losses to start the 2024 season, the pressure is mounting.

As Fowler suggests, if Lawrence doesn’t turn things around soon, the situation in Jacksonville could get ugly.

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