After moving past shoulder surgery and mastering Liam Coen’s scheme, the franchise quarterback targets an explosive season fueled by versatile tight end sets and deep-ball chemistry.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence entered this offseason ahead of schedule compared to last year; his shoulder is healthy, and he has a deeper understanding of coach Liam Coen's playbook.
Lawrence suffered a season-ending left AC shoulder joint injury in Jacksonville's Week 9 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024. He finished the game, but the team placed him on the injured reserve after he missed multiple weeks.
The Jaguars' franchise quarterback underwent successful surgery that December and recovered by the following spring. However, the injury made Lawrence focus on rehabbing, putting him behind schedule when Coen arrived.
While he was recovering, Jacksonville hired Coen as its coach on January 24. The then-25-year-old had to play catch-up and familiarize himself with his coach's offensive scheme after returning to action.
Now, Lawrence is healthy and has played one year under Coen's scheme. Lawrence said he feels calmer, reacts faster and can focus on the details of plays.
"A lot calmer, a lot more confident in my progressions and what I know about the system and stepping out," Lawrence told reporters on Monday. "So when I get on the grass, it's a lot less thinking."
One detail of Coen's offense is using multiple tight end sets. Jacksonville has a deep tight end room headlined by Brenton Strange, and rookies Nate Boerkircher and Tanner Koziol.
General manager James Gladstone and Coen have identified a growing trend with multiple tight end sets. It's one factor that played a significant role in drafting the Boerkircher and Koziol.
Lawrence highlighted the versatility of the position group. Strange started his career making an impact in the blocking game, then blossomed into another receiving option for his quarterback. Koziol was a premier receiving tight end in college, and Boerkircher is a stronger blocker than receiver.
"When you're trying to get a certain defensive personnel on the field, and you have the ability to still throw the ball, whether it's 12 or 13," Lawrence said. "You still have a real threat in the pass game, and that's important just because then you can dictate what happens with the defense a little bit more."
Jacksonville's offense may have another gear it can kick into with the addition of the rookie tight ends. Lawrence and wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. have rekindled their connection in the deep passing game, another area of growth for the team.
The offense has looked promising throughout OTAs, but the Jaguars have one last practice before a break. The time off is crucial for the players to rest and continue sharpening their individual skills.
Lawrence said he'll work on his footwork and strength to remain in shape and pick up where he left off in OTAs. The 2026 season may be promising for Jacksonville's franchise quarterback, coming into the offseason healthy and experienced.
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