Jaguars GM Trent Baalke addresses offseason plans for QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Calvin Ridley, LB Josh Allen

The Jacksonville Jaguars might be coming off a disappointing finish to the 2023 season, but general manager Trent Baalke gave no reason to think two of the franchise's biggest stars are going anywhere.

In his season-ending address with the media, Baalke assured Jaguars fans that pass rusher Josh Allen and quarterback Trevor Lawrence are very much in the team's plans for 2024 -- and likely beyond.

Allen, 26, is a free agent who racked up 17.5 sacks, which tied for second in the NFL this past regular season. He'd be one of the most coveted free agents on the open market, but Baalke appeared to shut that possibility down quickly.

"Yeah, Josh will be a Jaguar," Baalke said.

The Jaguars currently have less than $12 million in salary-cap space, via Over The Cap, but could apply the franchise tag on Allen if needed. Interestingly, for all of Baalke's confidence in getting a deal done, the two sides aren't at all close to one because they have yet to open contract talks.

"Very far. We haven't started," Baalke said. "Those negotiations will start."

Baalke believes the feeling is mutual to keep Allen there.

"I know Josh wants to be here, and I know we want him here," Baalke said. "Can we come to a number that works for everybody? That's the key.

"... You have to respect these guys that put themselves in this position. They work hard, they deserve the good money. … We just have to come together and sit down at the table and work things out."

The same is possible for Lawrence, able to sign a contract extension now that he's accrued three NFL seasons. Baalke didn't express the same level of immediacy with getting an extension done with Lawrence, as the calendar clearly shows Allen as the more pressing, immediate need.

But Baalke made sure to