Trevor Lawrence enters a critical phase with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the 2025 season approaches, following two injury-filled years. Despite setbacks, the Jaguars’ quarterback retains the talent and potential that earned him a lucrative contract extension in 2024, making his health and performance next year vital for the team’s future success and his career trajectory.
Examining Lawrence’s Performance During Injury-Hampered Seasons
Although his mechanics and decision-making slipped in 2023, largely due to injuries, Lawrence showed strong ability before these problems surfaced. John Oehser, a credible Jaguars analyst, dispelled perceptions that Lawrence had an unremarkable 2023 season. Oehser highlighted how Lawrence was instrumental in keeping Jacksonville competitive and in serious contention for the AFC’s top record before his injuries worsened.
Except it’s not. And he was.
—John Oehser, Jaguars Insider
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence wasn’t likely to be named MVP in 2023, but through 11 games the Jaguars were contending for the AFC’s best record. Lawrence also had played very well in the games leading to their 12th game – a loss to Cincinnati.
—John Oehser, Jaguars Insider
Oehser also noted,
“He played well in that game before leaving with an injury. I can’t control what people remember. I don’t know how many people were discussing what. I do know that some observers were discussing Lawrence as an MVP candidate at the time.”
Throughout the 2023 season, Lawrence battled several injuries, including a knee injury, an ankle sprain, and a concussion sustained during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite leaving that game early, he had completed 75.9 percent of his passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. Unfortunately, injuries continued into 2024, where an AC sprain led to surgery, further limiting his ability to contribute fully.
The Vital Importance of Staying Healthy for Lawrence and Jacksonville
To regain the form he displayed early in his career and in 2023 before injuries derailed him, Trevor Lawrence acknowledges the need to improve his mechanics and decision-making. He shared with Sara Walsh of NFL Media that these areas are a central focus during the offseason. Alongside improvements to Lawrence’s supporting cast, the Jaguars are positioning him for a resurgence.
However, the most pressing challenge remains his availability. The phrase “availability is the best ability” rings especially true as Lawrence has struggled to stay on the field for Jacksonville the last two seasons. Proving that past injuries were an unfortunate stretch rather than a new norm is crucial for both his confidence and his standing in the league.
Earlier in 2023, Lawrence was frequently ranked among the top 10 quarterbacks nationwide, especially in early-season assessments. Over time, injuries and performance dips caused him to fall in rankings. Still, analysts like Nate Tice from Yahoo! Sports recently ranked him ninth, anticipating a potential breakthrough in 2025 due to the combination of his renewed focus and improved team support.
The fundamental truth remains: Trevor Lawrence has not lost the remarkable skills that made him the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. His future status as a top-tier quarterback depends largely on his ability to maintain health and consistency in the upcoming season to silence skeptics and fulfill the promise that fueled Jacksonville’s faith in him.