The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of NFL purgatory, and a lot of that has to do with the quarterback position. The Steelers have been lost on offense for several seasons, mainly ever since Ben Roethlisberger retired after the 2021 season. The organization tried to replace him with Kenny Pickett, but that didn't work out. Now, Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are slated to hit free agency after decent seasons in Pittsburgh, and the position has a lot of questions surrounding it for the Steelers.
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Steelers' Russell Wilson and Justin Fields warming up before a game during the 2024 season.
It is more than likely that the Steelers bring back either Wilson or Fields to be the starting quarterback during the 2025 season, while the organization fills out the quarterback room with a promising rookie. However, there are a few other external options. If Pittsburgh really wants to make a splash, there are some players available through free agency like Sam Darnold.
Another interesting name is Matthew Stafford, who's future in the NFL and with the Los Angeles Rams is up in the air. NFL analyst and former quarterback Dan Orlovsky went on NFL Live on Tuesday where he was discussing the Las Vegas Raiders. He was speaking on what their next steps at quarterback might be when he mentioned the Steelers.
"I think the worst call I would make would be to Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams to figure out what Stafford's plans are," Orlovsky said for the Raiders. "Is he going to play? Is he going to retire? Do they want him back? Honestly, if I were the Giants, if I were the Steelers, if I were a lot of teams that would be my number one call. Try to see kind of what the plan is for Matthew Stafford."
Stafford will be turning 37-years old during the 2025 offseason, and he is obviously nearing the end of his career. He is surely contemplating retirement, but he is still under contract in Los Angeles moving forward. The Rams are coming off of a Super Bowl victory in 2021, and it would be completely understandable if they were ready to go in a different direction and wanted to try to get younger by moving on from Stafford via trade. That is if he does not decide to retire.
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Steelers' TJ Watt chases down Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford during a regular season game in 2023.
Stafford is still an effective quarterback. He started 16 games for the Rams during the 2024 season and threw for just over 3,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. This production came with his top two wide receivers fighting injuries throughout the year. Stafford led Los Angeles to the Divisional Round of the NFC playoffs at the end of the 2024 season, but it is hard to imagine the Rams have what it takes to get over the hump with their current roster.
It is time for the Rams to consider making some moves, and the Steelers would be silly not to inquire about the availability of Stafford and whether or not he has the desire to play another season or two. The same can be said about wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who has already said he plans to play in 2025, but maybe not for the Rams.
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Rams' Matthew Stafford stretches the field during an away game in the 2024 season.
Steelers Must Be Willing To Commit To Matthew Stafford
The Steelers are not a very attractive landing spot for a quarterback, and that is the unfortunate truth. Pittsburgh would need to give up draft capital while also being willing to take on Stafford's fairly large contract. The quarterback carries a cap hit of just over $100 million over the next two seasons, although the cap hit for Pittsburgh would be roughly $30 million in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons if a trade were completed.
This is obviously a serious financial commitment, and it is a risky move considering Stafford's age. Most of the fan base wants the organization to give Fields a chance as the starting quarterback, but this is also an intriguing option.
What do you think about potentially trading for Stafford? Let us know in the comments below!
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