The Jaguars Deny Trade Rumors
The Jacksonville Jaguars have emphatically dismissed a report suggesting that the Pittsburgh Steelers had inquired about trading for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, deeming the notion "ridiculous." According to multiple sources, the Jaguars have maintained that there was no conversation with the Steelers regarding a potential deal for Lawrence. This refutation comes as a response to a report by Big Ten Network’s Ryan Burr, who cited a source within the Jacksonville organization as confirming that the Steelers had indeed made the inquiry.
The Reality of the Situation
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero later supported ESPN’s Michael DiRocco’s reporting on "The Rich Eisen Show," stating that the rumors were "fake" and that the Steelers never reached out to the Jaguars about Lawrence. Lawrence, who is just 25 years old, has been the cornerstone of Jacksonville’s franchise since being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite his recent injury, which sidelined him for the latter part of the 2022 season, Lawrence remains a pivotal figure for the Jaguars.
Trevor Lawrence’s Journey
Lawrence’s 2022 season was cut short after he underwent surgery to repair his AC joint in his left (non-throwing) shoulder following a concussion in a Week 13 game against the Houston Texans. Despite the premature end to his season, Lawrence’s contributions were significant, as he threw for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions while completing 60.6% of his passes. His signing of a five-year, $275 million contract extension, which includes a no-trade clause, solidifies his importance to the Jaguars’ future.
The Jaguars’ Commitment to Lawrence
Shortly after the Jaguars appointed new head coach Liam Coen, he emphasized the team’s commitment to Lawrence and his development. Coen, speaking to Jacksonville reporter Brett Martineau, highlighted the importance of quarterback development and the role Lawrence will play in the team’s success. "This league is still about scoring," Coen said. "It’s about quarterback development and scoring points. It’s so much about Trevor. How do we make his job easier? He’s the future of our organization. He wants the responsibility, but we have to help him."
The Steelers’ Dilemma
The Pittsburgh Steelers, on the other hand, face the challenge of determining their quarterback situation for the upcoming season. The team must decide whether to retain starters Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, both of whom have their own set of pros and cons. Alternatively, the Steelers could explore free agent options such as Aaron Rodgers, who is unlikely to return to the New York Jets. However, the Steelers have historically been cautious about making significant trades that involve high draft picks or substantial salary commitments, which would be necessary to acquire a player of Lawrence’s caliber.
The Future of the Jaguars and Trevor Lawrence
The Jaguars’ firm stance on retaining Lawrence underscores their belief in his potential and leadership. The no-trade clause in his contract provides additional security, ensuring that Lawrence will continue to be a key player for the team. As the Jaguars look to the future under new head coach Liam Coen, the focus will be on enhancing Lawrence’s performance and building a supporting cast that can help him succeed. For the Steelers, the search for the right quarterback continues, but it is clear that Trevor Lawrence is not an option for them, as he remains a vital part of the Jaguars’ long-term plans.
