Former Jaguars QB Signs Record Deal with Broncos — Publicly States Trevor Lawrence Was the Barrier Preventing His Stay with Jacksonville

January 21, 2026
Denver, Colorado – The Denver Broncos have made a major move by signing former Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Mullens to a record future contract. Although Mullens is still technically part of the Jaguars, the deal has drawn attention not only due to its value but also because of Mullens’ public statements regarding why he couldn’t stay with Jacksonville, citing Trevor Lawrence as the primary obstacle.

Nick Mullens, a quarterback with significant potential in the NFL, had a brief but noteworthy stint with the Jaguars. However, he believes that competing with Lawrence for the starting quarterback role in Jacksonville was a major challenge. Despite Lawrence having a standout season, Mullens made it clear that Lawrence's presence in Jacksonville meant he had limited opportunities to start. “As long as Trevor was there, my chances in Jacksonville were basically nonexistent,” Mullens shared. “I didn’t want to sit on the sidelines forever. I wanted a shot to prove myself and lead a team.”

Mullens admitted that the fierce competition with Lawrence was the primary reason he decided to explore new opportunities with Denver, where he believes he can compete for the starting role more fairly and carve out his place in the NFL. “In Denver, I see a real opportunity to take control of the offense and lead the team,” Mullens said. “I’m looking for a chance to develop my career and show what I’m capable of. I don’t want to just be a backup anymore.”

With this new deal, the Broncos are hoping to unlock Mullens’ potential, a quarterback who has shown flashes of brilliance in critical moments. NFL coaches continue to praise Mullens for his arm strength and composure in high-pressure situations. “Mullens is a resilient player with the ability to manage the game and lead an offense. He has the tools to succeed in the right system,” an NFL analyst commented.

Meanwhile, Jacksonville now faces uncertainty regarding Lawrence’s future as their starting quarterback, particularly after Mullens’ departure. Lawrence, despite being the face of the Jaguars’ offense, will now have to deal with the fact that Mullens, a talented backup, was unable to find a way into the starting role. Will Mullens’ exit motivate Lawrence to further solidify his position, or will it lead to further challenges at quarterback for Jacksonville? Time will tell.

For the Broncos, adding Mullens to their roster is an important step toward strengthening their offensive lineup and creating healthy competition among players. With a fresh start in Denver, Mullens will aim to prove that his decision to join the Broncos is the right one, setting his sights on the upcoming season with a renewed sense of determination.