AFC South Rumors: Lawrence, Pierce, Skowronek

Many have the impression that Jaguars Quarterback Trevor Lawrence could be the next NFL pass rusher to sign a big extension. Jacksonville agrees with that sentiment as talks with Lawrence continue to progress. ESPN’s Michael DiRocco believes that when a Lawrence extension comes through, it will look a lot like that of the recently extended Lions quarterback. Jared Goff in many ways.

That prediction comes from discussions with NFL front office executives outside of Jacksonville, who expect Lawrence’s average annual salary to surpass just Goff’s $53 million per year figure. The deal is also expected to resemble the structure of Goff’s deal, which spans four years and includes a $73 million signing bonus spread over five years. Like most long-term contracts, the deal also guarantees two less salaries at the start of the deal, while spurring future talks as salaries skyrocket in Year 3 of the deal.

Essentially, this executive feels that, at this point, Lawrence has done enough to contribute to the ever-increasing value of quarterback contracts, but not enough to eclipse the Bengals’ pass rusher. Joe BurrowLeague-high AAV of $55 million per year.

Here are some other rumors surrounding the AFC South:

• Texans to run back Dameon Pierce put together an impressive rookie season as a fourth-round pick out of Florida in 2022, but had an unprecedented slump during a sophomore slump last season. After nearly breaking the 1,000-yard mark in his first season, Pierce saw his starting job stolen by a veteran free agent. Devin Singletary midway through the second season. Now in Year 3, Pierce will have to compete with another veteran in addition to free agency Joe Mixonwho is expected to start for Houston in 2024. Head coach DeMeco Ryans argues that despite Pierce’s near-solidified RB2 status, we can expect to see a pretty healthy dose of the third-year rusher as part of a one-two punch with Mixon next season, per Michael Shapiro of the Chron .
• Finally, the Texans recently traded for the Rams wide receiver Ben Skowronek, making yet another trade addition to their receiving corps this offseason. I’m already on the list, Stephen Diggs, Nico Collins, Dell tank, Robert Woods, Noah Brownand John Metchie, adding another receiver almost didn’t seem like a priority. Well, according to KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson, Skowronek not only adds some much-needed dimension to the room, but he’s also emerged as an effective special teams contributor in Los Angeles. Skowronek’s performance on special teams should help him keep a spot on the roster come September.