New reports emerged Thursday in response to a viral trade rumor involving Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Claims emerged early Thursday suggesting the Pittsburgh Steelers had been in contact with the Jaguars about a potential Lawrence trade. The buzz was largely driven by a post from Big Ten Network’s Ryan Burr, who claimed the story came “directly from the horse’s mouth in the Jags organization.”
Speculation about a Lawrence trade involving the Steelers quickly went viral. However, the Jaguars seemingly went out of their way to deny the reports very quickly.
Citing a Jaguars source, ESPN’s Michael DiRocco reported that even if the Steelers had inquired, the idea of a Lawrence trade was “ridiculous” and there was “no chance” the Jaguars would trade their quarterback.
Lawrence and the Jaguars did not have the season they had been hoping for, to say the least. However, not much of that was due to the quarterback himself, who was limited to 10 games due to injuries. In those starts, he threw for 2,045 yards with 11 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
It should also be noted that the Jaguars gave Lawrence a massive new contract less than a year ago. Things can certainly change quickly in the NFL, but it is tough to envision the Jaguars souring on their franchise quarterback in such a short amount of time. Plus, that contract includes a full no-trade clause, so unless Lawrence would accept a trade to Pittsburgh, the scenario is not even worth considering.
The Jaguars also just hired a new head coach with a history of improving quarterback play in Liam Coen. Not only that, but they went to great lengths to make that happen. It makes little sense that the Jaguars would throw the position into doubt so soon after making those moves.
There is no question that the Steelers need a long-term solution at quarterback. The team’s ownership has openly said as much. However, a far more likely scenario has emerged as opposed to some blockbuster trade for a player like Lawrence.
