The trade rumors surrounding Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which hinted at some interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers, were impressive in that they were created and shut down within the span of about 60 minutes. No. 16 isn't going anywhere anytime soon.
The rumors were created on the same day where the Jaguars were scheduled to introduce the new coordinator hires in Liam Coen's first season on the job. Defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile and 29-year-old offensive coordinator Grant Udinski were unveiled to a fanbase excited about this new era of Jacksonville football.
Regarding recent report that Steelers have inquired about a trade for Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, a Jaguars source said there's "no chance" they'll trade Lawrence and called the idea "ridiculous."
— Michael DiRocco (@ESPNdirocco) February 13, 2025
Between comments from Coen, who claimed one of the biggest factors in his decision to take this job was working with Lawrence, and the effusive praise Udinski laid at Lawrence's feet, it sounds like this coaching staff is full steam ahead in their goal of making the Jaguars one of the most feared passing games in the league.
Udinski affirmed that he is beyond excited to get to work with Lawrence, saying that he has the kind of tools that coaches would love to invest in. Does that sound like the words of a team that is looking to get out of the Lawrence business and start from scratch with no financial flexibility?
"There's a lot that stands out. Once again, that the physical talent you can see and you guys probably have had more time watching it than even me over the course the past couple years," Udinski told the local media when asked what stands out the most about Lawrence. "The most exciting thing for me is the guy and the person as I've started to form this relationship, because, like I said, the quarterback position is still played by a person. It's still a human being back there."
Udinski continued, "We've got to stand back there and navigate tight pockets and hits and escape and deal with 11, you know, 10 other guys in the huddle, all 11 on defense, and make those decisions and snap judgments. So the person that we're getting to deal with and work with on a day-to-day basis is super exciting for me. Because, listen, if we're up here spending as much time as we do, trying to pour ourselves into somebody, he's the type of guy that you want to invest time in."
Below is Udinski's full exchange with the press corps:
Jaguars OC Grant Udiniski affirms commitment to QB Trevor Lawrence
Lawrence didn't take the leap forward many expected last year. The former No. 1 pick threw 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 10 starts, winning just two of them. However, he wasn't playing in a situation that was conducive to success, as Doug Pederson's outdated offense and a beat-up offensive line did him no favors.
Jacksonville's two big hires are all about helping No. 16 get back on track. Coen was able to turn Baker Mayfield into a quarterback who threw for 41 touchdowns, while Udinski comes from the ultra-successful and often duplicated Vikings offensive scheme run by Kevin O'Connell.
When pairing those schematic innovations with a team that has the No. 5 pick in the draft, some money to spend in free agency, and an emerging star wide receiver in Brian Thomas Jr, the Jags have the pieces they need to make this offense something that strikes fear into the heart of opposing teams.
Udinski, Coen, and Lawrence could be a recipe for success in the near future, despite the fact that Pittsburgh somehow deluded themselves into thinking a team without a general manager would try to get a deal done.