NFL free agency is underway, and the Jacksonville Jaguars have been one of the most active teams. The Jaguars were busy acquiring offensive players to build around quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Jacksonville signed former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Christian Kirk to a four-year $72 million deal with incentives, potentially raising it to $84 million. This move shocked the league, as Kirk is not a solidified top receiver. Last season, Kirk had 77 receptions for 982 yards and five touchdowns.
While it may have been an overpay, Kirk will be a deep threat for Lawrence. The Jaguars also signed wide receiver Zay Jones, who showed flashes last season with the Las Vegas Raiders. Jones has not proven to be a consistent target but should be a good fit in the Jags’ offense.
Former New York Giants tight end Evan Engram signed a one-year $9 million deal, which gives Lawrence another vertical threat.
Although the additions to his weapons will be useful, the upgrades at the offensive line were crucial.
They signed the best offensive guard on the market in Brandon Scherff while franchise-tagging left tackle, Cam Robinson.
While these moves weren’t for stars, they have set up Lawrence for a great campaign. With that said, here are three reasons Trevor Lawrence will have a breakout season following the Jaguars’ free agency moves.
3. Lawrence has a new head coach
Jacksonville hired Urban Meyer last offseason to be their head coach, which quickly took a downward turn. Meyer was fired, which led to the Jaguars signing Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Peterson as their next head coach.
Peterson is an offensive-minded coach that propelled the Philadelphia Eagles to beat the Tom Brady-led New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
He helped develop Carson Wentz and could have a similar effect on Lawrence. Wentz was an MVP candidate under Peterson before he suffered an injury. A new offensive scheme and head coach will give Lawrence better stability and a chance to reach his full potential.
2. Lawrence has improved weapons
Last season, Lawrence lacked weapons offensively, which contributed to his struggles. In his rookie campaign, he threw for 3,641 yards along with 12 touchdowns and 17 interceptions. He had an atrocious completion percentage of 59.6 percent.
Kirk and Engram’s ability to stretch the field will take the defense’s attention and open up short, and medium-range passing lanes.
The running back duo of Travis Etienne and James Robinson will provide Lawrence with a strong ground game. Etienne was teammates with Lawrence in college, but he missed his rookie season due to a left foot injury. Both of these backs are solid in the passing game, which will make for additional weapons for the second-year QB.
Lawrence should be a much more efficient passer this season with his improved weapons.
1. Lawrence has a better offensive line
Having a good offensive line is crucial to being a successful quarterback in the NFL. With so many good pass rushers, quarterbacks’ careers can be derailed by not having time to deliver passes from the pocket.
The addition of Scherff was phenomenal, as he is one of the best offensive guards in the NFL. Scherff has made it to five Pro Bowls in his career and is an excellent blocker in both the passing and rushing attack. His veteran presence will help the other linemen improve as well.
Bringing back Robinson was also pivotal, as he is a solid left tackle. A more protected pocket will allow Lawrence to grow significantly as a passer. Most importantly, it will help him limit his turnovers, as he won’t be constantly flustered.
Trevor Lawrence is primed to have a breakout season after the Jaguars made moves to build around him.
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