NFL Trade Rumors: Steelers eye $275M QB Trevor Lawrence as Aaron Rodgers’ successor ahead of 2026 offseason

With Aaron Rodgers likely headed into retirement after the 2025 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly keeping tabs on a potential blockbuster replacement—$275 million quarterback Trevor Lawrence. While Lawrence remains under contract with the Jaguars, growing doubts about his long-term fit in Jacksonville could open the door for a stunning trade in 2026 and the Steelers might just be ready to pounce.Aaron Rodgers signed a short-term deal with the Steelers, offering a temporary solution at quarterback. But with his career winding down, Pittsburgh must think long-term and ESPN’s Brooke Pryor has floated a name no one expected: Trevor Lawrence."Trading for a starting quarterback is rarer these days, and expensive, but not impossible. Trevor Lawrence could be worth an inquiry," Pryor noted.The Jaguars made a massive investment in Lawrence, handing him a five-year, $275 million extension, banking on his development into an elite, top-tier passer. Yet after four up-and-down seasons with only one playoff appearance in 2023—questions remain about whether the former No. 1 pick is truly their long-term answer.Lawrence enters the 2025 NFL season facing immense pressure to deliver. While he's showcased moments of brilliance, inconsistency has plagued his career. He’s yet to complete a full 17-game season at a high level, and the Jaguars' offense has failed to take the leap expected with him under center.If the struggles continue, Jacksonville could consider resetting and recovering value via a blockbuster trade. And few franchises are as desperate for a long-term quarterback as the Steelers.Since Ben Roethlisberger’s 2022 retirement, the Steelers have shuffled through short-term options without finding their true successor. Will Howard might get a shot, but he remains unproven. A player of Lawrence’s caliber could finally stabilize the franchise under head coach Mike Tomlin.Pairing Lawrence with Pittsburgh’s physical style of play and possibly D.K. Metcalf as his No. 1 target, could be the move that redefines both his career and the Steelers’ future.Also Read: Miami’s decision to draft Noah Igbinoghene over future All-Pro Jonathan Taylor still sparks backlash years laterUntil then, Steelers fans should keep a close eye on the Jaguars and their $275 million man.