Trevor Lawrence Provides Another Reason Why NFL QB Contracts Are Better Done Earlier Than Later

We believe NFL players are so much different than the rest of us because they're bigger, stronger, and faster than us mortals. We don't see them as insecure or troubled or worried in any regard other than, perhaps, about what happens on the field.

But that's not really how it is.

Not even close.

These men, many with families and problems, spend time thinking about work. Thinking about their security. And thinking about their futures.

Just like us.

Trevor Lawrence showed huge improvement under Doug Pederson. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)

Trevor Lawrence's 'Relief' From A New Deal

That's why it makes sense for NFL teams on the verge of signing some of their star players to generational contracts to do it sooner rather than later.

Trevor Lawrence made that obvious on Thursday when he spoke for the first time about his massive new $275 million extension that ties him with Joe Burrow as the NFL's highest-paid player on a annual average basis.

"Yeah, definitely a little bit of relief," Lawrence said, describing how the new deal makes him feel. "Shouldn't even say relief, obviously it's a huge blessing, we're excited. 

"But to have it done and kind of behind us to where you can just move forward, go play, and get ready for training camp instead of thinking in the back of your mind that it didn't get done."

There it is. 

NASHVILLE - Head Coach Doug Pederson talks with Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on December 11, 2022.  (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

NFL Teams Smart To Put Season First

Look, from a pragmatic standpoint, it makes sense for teams to move as close to signing a quarterback or other star to a deal as quickly as possible because the price never goes down unless there's a pandemic.

The sooner a deal is done, the cheaper than the next deal in line it's likely to be.

But Lawrence just shared another reason to find a quick-as-possible agreement on these type of deals with franchise QBs: It gets their minds off the contract, and puts it on football.

On the coming season.

On winning.

So, assuming the player's agent is not being unreasonable, get it done now rather than later. Because as training camp and the season draw closer, football is where the quarterback's mind should be.

"Obviously, every season is big," Lawrence said, "but it feels good to know that I am going to be here and have that stability. But yeah, it doesn't really change too much, but it does feel good to have it done. That was a goal that the team, myself, and my team wanted to get done. 

"To have it finished by the time training camp comes around, so we can just put everything towards this year and get ready to go bring a championship here."

Trevor Lawrence. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

NFL Players Crave Security, Too

I've heard this from NFL players for over 30 years. And it's amazing because I've also heard it from friends, family and even felt it myself. Certainty about one's future is a weight lifted.

Uncertainty is a burden that can affect performance.

To understand to what degree this is true, consider who we're talking about here: Lawrence was the No. 1 overall selection of the 2021 draft. He signed the biggest rookie deal of anyone in that draft, which came in at nearly $36.8 million.

He has to date collected approximately $31 million before taxes on that initial deal over three years. So he's not hurting. His family isn't trying to make ends meet.

He was already rich.

But the new deal and all it meant was nonetheless on his mind. He admitted as much. 

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. - Tua Tagovailoa of the Miami Dolphins speaks to media during Miami Dolphins Mandatory Minicamp on June 4, 2024. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Tua, Dak, Love Await New Deals

Just like a new deal with the Miami Dolphins is on Tua Tagovailoa's mind. And a new deal with the Packers is on Jordan Love's mind. And a new deal with the Cowboys is on Dak Prescott's mind, regardless of how much he denies it.

None of those players have the contract extension each has been expecting. And with every day the NFL's current dark period draws closer to the start of training camp, the contract uncertainty grows.

And thoughts of the looming season don't always dominate.

Why?

"Financially, it's amazing and really sets us up for the future and for the rest of our lives so that's a huge blessing," Lawrence said. "Obviously, that's a big deal. But I think even more than that is the stability of being here for the long term. 

"… To be able to say we're going to be here and have confidence and know that – it means a lot to us."

This all may sound strange. High-profile men worried by an uncertain future and stability and where their family is going to settle is not a common NFL narrative. Neither is them talking publicly about being unburdened by a contract agreement.

It's almost as if these bigger-than-life guys are human.