During the offseason, rumors have emerged about the Pittsburgh Steelers' interest in trading for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. This surprising development has piqued interest among fans and analysts alike, as the Steelers search for their next franchise quarterback.
Ryan Burr of the Big Ten Network first reported this intriguing inquiry, stating sources close to the Jaguars indicated the Steelers had reached out about the potential trade. Lawrence, the first overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft, has been regarded as one of the premier quarterbacks, yet his future with the Jaguars has come under scrutiny due to mixed performances and recent organizational upheaval.
Lawrence signed a lucrative five-year, $275 million contract extension before the 2024 season, which has significantly raised the stakes for any potential trade. The deal includes $200 million guaranteed, with the quarterback due $37.5 million and $41.5 million over the next two seasons respectively. Given these figures, the Steelers would assume substantial financial obligations if they were to pursue Lawrence.
While Burr suggested the Steelers might offer their first and second-round picks from the upcoming NFL Draft to acquire Lawrence, this proposition raises eyebrows, as many see it as insufficient compensation for a player of his caliber. The Steelers, desperate for quarterback stability, have few immediate options. Both Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, who led the team during the previous season, are free agents. With no designated starting quarterback on their roster, the Steelers find themselves at a potential crossroads.
Despite Burr's report igniting optimism among fans about Lawrence, the Jaguars' position on the trade is ambiguous. With the firing of head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, the Jaguars find themselves needing to reshape their identity and have indicated they wish to build around Lawrence. Newly appointed head coach Liam Coen emphasized during his introduction, “This will all be about Trevor. How do we make Trevor Lawrence and this offense as dynamic and explosive as we can?” Coen's commitment raises doubts about the Jaguars' willingness to entertain trade offers for their quarterback.
One major complication for the Steelers is the looming setting of the NFL Draft, which they are scheduled to host in 2026. The potential of trading their first-round pick may come under scrutiny from fans who expect the Steelers to maximize their own draft position.
Even if Lawrence were available, concerns remain about his recent injury history. Lawrence was sidelined for part of the 2024 season with concussion-like symptoms and shoulder injuries. His performance metrics have also raised questions, with him finishing near the bottom of the league rankings for passer rating and adjusted net yards per attempt this past season. While he still has the potential to emerge as a superstar, the Steelers might be wary, particularly considering the expectations around their quarterback.
Retrieving Lawrence would signal Pittsburgh's intent to rebuild and seek immediate competitiveness, which could complicate their veteran players' returns. Reports indicate the Steelers plan to engage with many options out there, including potentially retaining Fields, who might be deemed more appropriate as they develop their next chapter.
All these facets add layers of complexity to the Steelers' pursuit of Lawrence. While he's undeniably talented, the Steelers must weigh the financial risks and logistic hurdles before proceeding.
Fan reactions, meanwhile, are mixed. Some view the inquiry as the Steelers being “shameless,” questioning Lawrence's capabilities based on his recent struggles. The backlash reflects the high stakes and emotional investment the fanbase has toward team direction. One particularly vocal fan exclaimed on social media, “Lawrence's performance isn't what we need!”
At this crossroads, the Steelers face some tough decisions. They find themselves not only needing to manage their resources wisely but also to derive clarity on their future strategy. Should the team commit to acquiring Lawrence, they must also solidify their roster, avoiding pitfalls like fan discontent and mismanagement of assets.
For now, the inquiry stands as just speculation, but the looming potential of this trade has sparked conversations across the NFL. Only time will tell what decisions the Steelers will make, and whether they will bet on Lawrence’s undoubted potential or look elsewhere for their next starting quarterback.