Trevor Lawrence Draws Major Offseason Praise From Jaguars Coaches, NFL Insiders

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence has drawn significant offseason praise from the team’s head coach and one of the NFL’s top insiders, fueling early buzz around the 2026 season. After a steady finish to the 2025 campaign, Lawrence has focused on deepening his connection with wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., and both Liam Coen and ESPN’s Peter Schrager have publicly noted the quarterback’s growth.

Schrager, speaking on The Pat McAfee Show, described Lawrence’s offseason as “outstanding,” pointing to the entire Jaguars roster coming together in Coen’s second year. The wide receiver room has added depth, and two-way standout Travis Hunter is expected to strengthen the defense. Lawrence’s own development has been organic, Coen said, with the quarterback showing improved command of the offense and a more confident presence at the line.

Key facts
| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Player | Trevor Lawrence, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Head coach | Liam Coen, entering Year 2 with Jaguars |
| Key offseason focus | Chemistry with WR Brian Thomas Jr. |
| MVP dark horse ranking | No. 2 on NFL.com’s Dan Parr list (behind Brock Purdy) |

Offseason chemistry and offensive growth

Lawrence spent the bulk of the offseason working with Brian Thomas Jr., aiming to turn their late-season connection into a consistent weapon. The pair showed flashes of chemistry in 2025, and Coen noted that Lawrence’s ability to get in and out of the right plays has improved. Insiders have observed a more relaxed and assertive quarterback, a direct result of a full year in Coen’s complex system.

Schrager also highlighted the Jaguars’ wide receiver group as “really interesting,” noting that they ended the season strong. The addition of Travis Hunter, a dynamic two-way player, adds a new dimension to the defense and gives the offense more practice reps against a talented secondary.

Coen’s perspective on Lawrence’s development

Liam Coen, speaking with Schrager, emphasized the personal side of his relationship with Lawrence. “Yeah, that relationship has only gotten better and better. Once the season ended, I was very proud of the way that he competed and improved throughout the season,” Coen said. He also noted that they spent time together during Super Bowl Honors Week, building rapport away from the facility.

Coen praised Lawrence as a human being, husband, and father, underscoring the off-field trust that translates into on-field performance. The Jaguars head coach believes Lawrence’s command of the system will only strengthen in 2026, a sentiment echoed by analysts who studied his 2025 tape.

MVP dark horse conversation

Lawrence finished fifth in MVP voting in 2025, yet the Jaguars have generated relatively little national buzz this offseason. NFL.com’s Dan Parr ranked Lawrence as the No. 2 MVP dark horse for 2026, behind only Brock Purdy. Parr’s reasoning: “He’s coming off his best season. And it’s entirely possible a second year in Coen’s system will bring out an even better version in a division Jacksonville has proven it can win.”

Unlike other teams that made splashy free-agent moves, the Jaguars have been steady. That quiet approach, combined with internal growth, may keep Lawrence under the radar — but the praise from Coen and Schrager suggests the team’s ceiling is higher than outsiders expect.

What this means for Jacksonville’s season

The 2025 season was a transition year for Coen’s system. Now, with a full offseason of work, a deeper receiving corps, and a more confident quarterback, the Jaguars appear poised to challenge for the AFC South crown. Whether Lawrence wins MVP is secondary: the real story is the undeniable improvement in Year 2 under Coen. A playoff run no longer feels like a pipe dream for Jacksonville.

The praise from two respected voices — one inside the building, one a national insider — reinforces that Lawrence’s growth is not just hype. It is backed by tape, results, and the people closest to the team.

Source: Yahoo Sports – Jaguars Trevor Lawrence Earns Major Offseason Praise From Liam Coen, Peter Schrager (https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/jaguars-trevor-lawrence-earns-major-163222228.html)

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