Trevor Lawrence may be just 23 years old, but he’s already a two-time captain and clearly the centerpiece of the Jacksonville Jaguars’ foreseeable future. The second-year quarterback would like a say in what that future is going to look like.
“One hundred percent,” Lawrence told reporters last week when asked if he’d voice his thoughts on pending free agents with the front office. “There’s a lot of things that go into that and decisions that I don’t make. Everything that is done is what’s best for the organization, I understand that. There’s a lot of things that go into it, obviously, but as far as I’m concerned, you got to keep your guys that helped get you here.
“It’s not my decision to make of what they decide to do for their future and, ultimately, what the team decides to do. Obviously, my opinion will be voiced and those are private conversations. I’m excited just to have those guys back hopefully, and all the guys that we can get back.”
At the top of the list of players who have contracts expiring this offseason are tight end Evan Engram, offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, and pass rusher Arden Key.
Engram, 28, had a career year with 73 receptions for 766 yards (both single-season franchise records) as well as four receiving touchdowns. After the season ended, Engram called it the best year of his life and hoped that he’d back with the Jaguars in 2023.
Taylor, 25, also had a career-best season, allowing only five sacks in 1,095 offensive snaps played at right tackle. The Jaguars’ former second-round pick played out the final season of his rookie contract in 2022.
The Jaguars don’t have a ton of wiggle room this offseason after spending big in free agency a year ago, so Lawrence may not get everyone on his wish list. But Jacksonville would be wise to lean into their young quarterback’s efforts to take ownership of the team he hopes to lead for many years to come.