For the second consecutive offseason, the Steelers are uncertain about who their quarterback will be going forward. The two QBs that started games for Pittsburgh in 2024, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, are both scheduled to become free agents next month. It is currently uncertain if the Steelers will choose to re-sign either Wilson or Fields, or whether they will look elsewhere to find their next quarterback.
A recent rumor has linked Matthew Stafford as a potential trade target for several quarterback-needy teams. In particular, the Steelers and Giants have been listed as teams that could seek to acquire Stafford should the Rams decide to move him. Stafford was previously traded from the Lions to the Rams back in 2021 in exchange for Jared Goff and draft picks. It’s safe to say that that move has ended up working out for both teams.
Even though Stafford is well into the autumn years of his NFL career, he is still an elite quarterback that is capable of winning in the postseason. In his four seasons with the Rams, Stafford has won five playoff games, including Super Bowl 56 against the Cincinnati Bengals. This past season, Stafford led the Rams to a dominant win in the Wild Card Round over the 14-win Minnesota Vikings before ultimately falling short against the eventual Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles.
What Would A Trade Cost Pittsburgh?
The Rams’ supposed asking price for Stafford is surprisingly high. According to sources, L.A. would want the third overall pick from the Giants in order to deal the former Super Bowl Champion to New York. Stafford turned 37 years old earlier this month, making him the second oldest starting quarterback in the NFL (behind Aaron Rodgers).
A potential trade offer from Pittsburgh would likely involve multiple draft picks in the upcoming NFL Draft. A hypothetical offer circulated by CBS Sports would have the Steelers swap first-round picks with the Rams (Pittsburgh picks 21st and L.A. picks 26th), while also surrendering two second-round picks, one in 2025 and one in 2026, in exchange for Stafford. This trade appears much more feasible than the Rams’ offer to the Giants.
Should Pittsburgh Choose Stafford Over Other Options?
Photos/ Kevin C. Cox/ Getty Images
Aside from Russell Wilson, Stafford is the most accomplished option at QB for the Steelers. However, most would agree that Stafford is currently a better quarterback than Wilson is, and has a much higher chance at winning a second Super Bowl. Even still, do the Steelers really want to give up valuable draft capital for a player that will be 38 years old by the time of next year’s Super Bowl?
The answer to that question depends on whether or not Pittsburgh thinks they can contend for a Super Bowl in the next few seasons. If they want to go all-in in 2025, trading for Stafford would make sense; although, they would have to upgrade their roster in other areas in order to contend in the stacked AFC.
The downside to Pittsburgh investing their immediate future into Stafford is that they will inevitably be back at square one in the quarterback search just a few years down the road once Stafford retires. If the Steelers prefer to focus on their long-term future, it probably would be best for them to hitch their wagon to a younger signal caller.
For More Sports And Entertainment Content
Follow me on X at @genz_sportz
Our Partners
