BREAKING: Pittsburgh Steelers Finally Confirms Major Deal To Sign Matthew Stafford
If the Pittsburgh Steelers aim to acquire Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, they’ll need to offer a substantial trade package. According to Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Rams are seeking a first-round pick if they decide to trade Stafford.
“Multiple teams, according to sources, have inquired about Stafford, and the general expectation is that a first-round pick would be the asking price if the Rams choose to deal him. Although the Rams want to keep him (he also has a $49.3 million cap hit if released), there’s been no indication that Stafford wants out. This situation is one of the key stories ahead of free agency next month. Before that, the Rams and Stafford’s agent plan to meet in Indianapolis to try to reach an agreement,” Schultz explained in his NFL Confidential column.
This asking price is similar to what Aaron Rodgers fetched when he left Green Bay. For the Steelers, this could be a game-changing move to enhance their Super Bowl prospects, though Stafford would need a contract restructuring and has shown some signs of decline. Additionally, his injury history and the Steelers’ developing offensive line could raise concerns about his fit in Pittsburgh.
NFL Combine Could Reveal Matthew Stafford’s Potential Availability to Possible Suitors Like Steelers
If the Rams are truly seeking a first-round pick for Stafford, a 37-year-old quarterback who’s also looking for a new, lucrative contract, as Schultz reported, it seems highly unlikely the Steelers would make that kind of trade.
That said, the initial asking price isn’t always the final one, and if Stafford’s relationship with the Rams deteriorates over the coming weeks, the Rams might lower their demands.
The next key moment that could fuel more Stafford trade talks is the NFL Combine.
“Rams and Stafford’s agent are set to meet in Indianapolis [at the Combine] to see if they can find common ground,” Schultz noted on February 19.
This meeting could potentially bring more clarity to the situation and set the stage for the next steps in Stafford’s future.
Steelers ‘Split’ on Running It Back With Russell Wilson or Justin Fields: Report
Ultimately, all the speculation surrounding Stafford and Darnold might end up being irrelevant, as those close to the Steelers continue to believe the team’s 2025 quarterback will either be Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.
The AFC North is always interesting and even more so this #NFL offseason with #RuleTheJungle having decisions to make on paying certain players and who'll be #HereWeGo quarterback moving forward:#NFLCombine #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/WU15XGQZv2
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 19, 2025
“No decision is more significant than deciding which quarterback — Wilson or Fields — they want to retain in 2025,” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette insider Gerry Dulac wrote on February 17. “It’s a divided decision internally, similar to 2021 when the Steelers debated whether to bring back Ben Roethlisberger for his 18th and final season, which they ultimately did.”
Similarly, when veteran reporter Mark Kaboly was asked who the Steelers might sign at QB if it’s not Wilson or Fields, his response further indicated that he sees those two as the leading candidates.
“If it isn’t going to be Wilson or Fields, I’d consider making a play for… are you ready for this, Mason Rudolph (it won’t happen),” he said. “I’m not interested in Kirk Cousins, Jameis Winston, Zach Wilson, Daniel Jones, or Sam Darnold. What I’m saying is they better sign Wilson or Fields.”
Kaboly did add a lighthearted remark, joking that Aaron Rodgers could be an option, but that seemed more like a joke, especially since the questioner had asked, “Please don’t say Aaron Rodgers.”