The Trade Proposal: The Steelers are reportedly ready to offer their first and second-round draft picks for Lawrence, a former No. 1 overall pick whose career has been under scrutiny despite a promising start. The inquiry comes at a time when the Jaguars are in a state of flux, having recently fired head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, with new head coach Liam Coen at the helm.
Lawrence's Contract: Securing Lawrence would mean the Steelers taking on a hefty financial commitment. He signed a five-year, $275 million contract extension last year, with $200 million guaranteed. For 2025 and 2026, Lawrence is due $37.5 million each year, all guaranteed, with further guarantees stretching into future years. However, his contract includes a no-trade clause, meaning Lawrence would need to agree to any move.
Performance and Potential: Lawrence's potential remains high despite a challenging 2024 season, where injuries limited him to 10 games. His stats last season were not stellar, with a passer rating of 85.2, placing him 29th league-wide, but his youth and previous performances hint at untapped potential.
The Steelers' Dilemma: With limited high-caliber quarterback options available this offseason, the Steelers might see Lawrence as their best shot at an upgrade. The usual suspects like Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, or even Aaron Rodgers don't offer the same upside as Lawrence, despite his recent performance dips.
Unprecedented for Pittsburgh: This trade would be historic for the Steelers, who have never dealt with such high contract guarantees or traded away such valuable draft picks in one go since the NFL merger. It represents a bold new strategy for a franchise known for its conservative approach.
Conclusion: The mere discussion of this trade has set the NFL community abuzz, with fans and analysts speculating on the implications. If the Steelers manage to pull off this deal, it would signal a new era for the team and shake up the AFC's quarterback landscape. Whether this bold move comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the Steelers' interest in Trevor Lawrence has already made this offseason one to watch.
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