The Los Angeles Rams, who won a Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp leading their offense, could explore a blockbuster trade to acquire Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence this offseason.
Kenneth Arthur of Turf Show Times outlined how such a trade could unfold, suggesting that the Jaguars may be ready to move on from Lawrence after a disappointing 2023 season.
“Everyone knows that Lawrence struggled last season, and there’s no guarantee he improves under [new Jaguars offensive coordinator Liam] Coen,” Arthur wrote on February 22. “Even with one playoff appearance, Lawrence has a career record of 22-38, and the Jaguars’ best finish with him was 9-8. Owner Shad Khan may be growing impatient and looking to avoid another 13- or 14-loss season.”
A trade could benefit both teams in different ways. The Jaguars would get a veteran quarterback in Stafford, giving them a better shot at winning immediately, while the Rams would secure a young franchise quarterback to keep head coach Sean McVay engaged for the long term.
Proposed Trade:
Rams receive:
- QB Trevor Lawrence
- 2026 fourth-round pick
Jaguars receive:
- QB Matthew Stafford
- WR Cooper Kupp
- 2026 first-round pick
- 2027 second-round pick
Arthur also noted that if Jacksonville waits until after June 1 to trade Lawrence, they would be responsible for his $35 million option bonus in March but could then avoid further financial commitments. The Rams, in turn, would have already paid Kupp’s $7.5 million roster bonus, potentially making it easier to move him in a trade package.
Lawrence, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, is set to play under his fifth-year rookie option in 2025 with a $15 million cap hit before his five-year, $275 million extension kicks in for 2026. Stafford, the No. 1 pick in 2007, is entering the third year of his four-year, $160 million contract, while Kupp is in the second season of a three-year, $80.1 million deal.
The Rams have left the door open for both Stafford and Kupp to be traded, making this scenario at least a possibility as the offseason unfolds.
Rams Trade Could Revive Trevor Lawrence’s Career
Despite Trevor Lawrence’s struggles in Jacksonville, Kenneth Arthur believes a trade to the Rams could unlock his full potential under head coach Sean McVay.
“Trevor Lawrence has never had Sean McVay as a coach,” Arthur wrote. “McVay got the most out of [Jared] Goff compared to Jeff Fisher. McVay got the most out of Stafford compared to all the coaches he had in Detroit. McVay got the most out of Baker Mayfield compared to Kevin Stefanski.”
McVay’s track record speaks for itself. He helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl appearance with Goff and won a championship with Stafford. Even Mayfield, who had a short stint with the team, revived his career under McVay’s guidance—ultimately landing a three-year, $100 million deal with the Buccaneers in the 2024 offseason.
Lawrence, 25, struggled in 2024, completing 60.6% of his passes for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while posting a 2-8 record as a starter. His touchdown rate has declined while his interception and sack rates have risen over the past two seasons.
A move to Los Angeles could give Lawrence a fresh start and a coach known for maximizing quarterback talent—potentially making this trade scenario more intriguing for the Rams.
Jaguars Claim No Intention of Trading Trevor Lawrence
Following a report from Big Ten Network’s Ryan Burr on February 13 that the Pittsburgh Steelers inquired about Trevor Lawrence, the quarterback quickly dismissed any notion that he would waive his no-trade clause.
The Jaguars also shut down speculation, making it clear that Lawrence is not available.
“A Jaguars source said there’s ‘no chance’ they’ll trade Lawrence and called the idea ‘ridiculous,’” ESPN’s Michael DiRocco reported on X.
While Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio acknowledged the team’s firm stance, he also pointed out that things can always change in the right circumstances.
“It’s also not binding on the Jaguars,” Florio wrote. “While it’s stronger than the oft-used ‘no intention to trade’ a given player (which often is followed by a trade), it’s also something from which the Jaguars could deviate, if they get an offer they won’t refuse.”
Florio also noted that someone within the Jaguars’ organization—not the Steelers—leaked the report.
“Someone wanted it to be out there,” Florio added. “And it’s possible that someone wants to see what will happen if/when the various quarterback-needy teams begin to consider the possibility of doing a deal for Lawrence.”
Even so, the idea of Lawrence ending up with the Rams in a trade involving Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp remains a long shot at this point.
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