The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the major players on the quarterback market going into the 2025 offseason. The organization is ready to sign a quarterback in free agency, select one in the draft, or acquire one via trade. Quarterback is not a position that gets traded often, but it is looking like there might be some veterans on the market. Matthew Stafford is a name that has been in the headlines, as he has stated he wants a new deal from the Los Angeles Rams. The organization gave his agent permission to talk with other teams, sparking a ton of trade rumors.
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Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford looks on before an away game.
Stafford is certainly on the tail end of his career, but he is still one of the better quarterbacks in the league. He is set to make just under $50 million in 2025, but he wants that number to be higher. He is signed in Los Angeles through 2026, but the expectation is that he will be traded if he can't work out a new deal with Los Angeles.
Stafford's former backup, Chase Daniel, spoke on his podcast Scoop City about where Stafford's next home may be, and he quickly ruled out the Steelers.
"He's not going to the Giants," Daniel said. "At least me, I can't imagine that. He's not going to go to the Steelers and play outside, the dude's only played for indoor teams. The only team that makes sense if the Rams don't work is the Vikings."
Daniel served as the backup quarterback to Stafford during the 2020 season when both players were with the Detroit Lions. The former quarterback clearly believes Stafford is more comfortable playing indoors, which would lead him to steer clear of the Steelers and New York Giants. The Giants and Steelers have been the two teams discussed the most for Stafford, but neither would seem to be at the top of his list.
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Rams' Matthew Stafford points in celebration after a big play.
Stafford has put together a Hall of Fame career while playing indoors, and the quarterback probably prefers it. He grew up in Texas and then went to college at Georgia, so it is safe to assume he adores playing in the warm weather.
The veteran quarterback can still perform in the cold, which he proved during the NFC Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles at the end of the 2024 season. The game was freezing, and snow covered the field in the second half. The Rams were about a play away from getting to the NFC Championship Game, but they fell to the Eagles. Stafford performed well, but did have some trouble with fumbles in the blizzard-like conditions.
The quarterback's situation is unique in that the Rams are letting him speak to other teams about trades as a way to gauge his value. It is always risky to give a 37-year old a raise, so this way Los Angeles is able to see what other organizations would be willing to offer him. This way the Rams don't overpay, and Stafford can explore his options when it comes to ending his career.
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Rams' Matthew Stafford speaks to the media after a big win over the Vikings.
Steelers Need To Be Cautious In Potentially Trading For Matthew Stafford
Anytime a franchise trades for a star quarterback, it is risky, especially when it's for a quarterback that is 37 and commanding $50 million per year. In addition to the financial commitment, Pittsburgh would likely need to send draft capital over to the Rams in the deal. The Rams have been said to want a first round pick, but that seems less and less realistic with each day that goes by. It is more likely that the Rams except a Day 2 pick, and just move on with their lives as they won't be paying a quarterback $50 million anymore.
Stafford would be a solution at the position for a year or two in Pittsburgh, while the Steelers would need to focus on finding the future of the franchise. The organization needs a franchise quarterback, and until it gets one, it is going to be hard to compete in the AFC.
What do you think about Stafford's chances of coming to Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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