Quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Wide Receiver Calvin Ridley Enter Third NFL Season
Star quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Pro Bowl wide receiver Calvin Ridley were poised to make a significant impact in their third NFL season. Ridley’s reinstatement added to an already talented receiver room, featuring Christian Kirk and Zay Jones.
Jaguars’ Disappointing 2023 Season Raises Questions
Despite high hopes, the Jacksonville Jaguars had a disappointing 2023 campaign, losing five of their last six games and finishing with a 9-8 record. The team missed the postseason, sparking discussions about potential discord between the general manager and head coach.
General Manager Denies Dysfunction
Jaguars’ general manager quickly dismissed any suggestion of dysfunction between the top decision-makers. In a recent press conference, he stated, “A lot of what’s written, a lot of the narratives out there are just false. Plain and simple, false narratives.” He emphasized the strong relationship he maintained with the head coach throughout the season.
Pressure Mounts for 2024 Season
Both the general manager and head coach will face considerable pressure to improve the team’s performance in the upcoming 2024 season. The general manager will also need to make a crucial decision regarding Trevor Lawrence’s future with the team.
Long-Term Deal for Trevor Lawrence
The Jaguars have the option to let Trevor Lawrence play out the final year of his rookie deal in 2024 or pick up his fifth-year option, extending his contract through the 2025 season. The general manager expressed openness to reaching a long-term deal with Lawrence but emphasized that contract negotiations would not be rushed.
Retaining Star Pass Rusher Josh Allen
The Jaguars are also focused on retaining their star pass rusher, Josh Allen, who is set to enter free agency in March. Despite Allen’s impressive performance in the 2023 season, the general manager strongly hinted that the team intends to keep Allen in Jacksonville, confidently stating, “Yeah, Josh will be a Jaguar.”