Trevor Lawrence is now the NFL’s most underrated quarterback after the Jacksonville Jaguars’ latest campaign. The 24-year-old signal-caller delivered career highs in 2023, earning fresh plaudits from analysts and fans alike.
What happened?
A new ranking from a major outlet places Trevor Lawrence at the top of the NFL’s most underrated quarterbacks list. The evaluation follows a season where Lawrence posted career-best passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage while leading the Jaguars deep into the playoffs. His 4,103 passing yards and 29 touchdowns in 2023 marked personal bests, and his 67.2% completion rate ranked among the league’s top ten.
The Jaguars finished 9-8 in the regular season but upset the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card round before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional round. Lawrence threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns in that playoff win, silencing critics who questioned his big-game poise.
Why it matters for Trevor Lawrence
The label “most underrated” carries weight for Trevor Lawrence, who entered the NFL amid sky-high expectations as the 2021 No. 1 overall pick. After two uneven rookie campaigns, Lawrence has reshaped his reputation with consistent production and clutch performances. His 2023 passer rating of 93.1 ranked 11th in the NFL, up from 79.9 in 2022.
Teammates and coaches have pointed to Lawrence’s improved pocket presence and decision-making as key upgrades. Doug Pederson, the Jaguars’ head coach, told reporters after the Wild Card win that Lawrence’s growth was “clear from Week 1 to Week 18.” The quarterback has also cut his interception total from 17 in 2022 to 11 in 2023, a tangible sign of progress.
What comes next?
Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars enter the 2024 offseason with momentum—and a chance to push further. The team’s front office has prioritized keeping Lawrence’s supporting cast intact, including Christian Kirk and Evan Engram, while adding depth on the offensive line.
Lawrence’s contract situation looms large. He’s set to play the 2024 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, a $24.1 million cap hit that buys the Jaguars time to negotiate a long-term extension. If Lawrence builds on 2023, the talks could come sooner rather than later.
The Jaguars aim to push into the AFC’s upper tier, and Lawrence’s development will dictate how far they go. A repeat playoff run would cement his standing as a top-tier QB—and bury the “underrated” label for good.
The 2024 season kicks off in September, with Lawrence set to start under center for Jacksonville once again.