NFL Insider Seriously Believes Steelers Are Eyeing Matthew Stafford Or Aaron Rodgers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a tough position when it comes to their quarterback situation. With both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields under affordable contracts for the 2024 season, the team must figure out which player will be the face of the franchise moving forward. However, the cost of keeping either player beyond 2024 will significantly rise, making this a crucial decision for the future.

While the Steelers aren’t expected to keep both Wilson and Fields, it’s likely one of them will remain. Among the fan base, Fields has the upper hand due to his much more affordable $6.4 million deal, compared to Wilson’s staggering projection of $38.7 million a season. In addition to the financial advantage, Fields is younger and presents greater long-term potential, with the possibility of becoming the franchise quarterback if he can unlock his full potential.

The decision between Fields and Wilson is already a challenging one for the Steelers, but recent discussions have introduced new possibilities. NFL insiders have begun to consider the idea of adding veterans like Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams and Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets to the mix. In his article for Sports Illustrated, NFL insider Albert Breer went deeper into the likelihood of the Steelers pursuing one of these experienced quarterbacks.

"I think the Pittsburgh Steelers are shaping up to be interesting quarterback suitors," Breer said. "They have a team that’s ready to win now, with TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick in their primes as leaders of a staunch defense, a fast-improving offensive line group, and a solid crew of skill players. They also don’t have forever to win with the core that’s in place. I think the Steelers are going to take a look at a lot of different ideas in the coming weeks, which could lead to someone like Stafford or Rodgers heading to Pittsburgh."

Breer suggests that the Steelers' roster is in win-now mode, a statement that could spark controversy depending on who you ask. However, with several star players in their prime and time ticking, there’s truth to the claim. 

This urgency is why Breer believes the Steelers might be willing to take a big gamble on another veteran quarterback if the opportunity arises.

"So, this should be the time for GM Omar Khan to act with some urgency," Breer said. "There are a lot of folks in Pittsburgh ready to move on from Wilson. Justin Fields, on the other hand, is someone they’d love to keep working with—but he may not have done quite enough to be awarded the starting job without qualifications. And options in the draft are, again, sparse."

Breer advises General Manager Omar Khan to act quickly in the 2025 offseason, as he’s not fully convinced that Fields or Wilson are the long-term answers for the Steelers. While Stafford or Rodgers wouldn’t be future franchise quarterbacks, they could serve as bridge options to help a veteran-laden roster reach its potential.

Steelers Would Be Better Off With Stafford Than Rodgers In 2025

Stafford is seen as a more popular candidate than Rodgers due to his ability to play at a semi-elite level in 2024. While Rodgers' stats were solid, he appeared to struggle for much of the season, looking older and not quite himself. Bringing in a 41-year-old quarterback with significant drama surrounding him isn’t the ideal move for the Steelers, or at least, that's how many fans perceive it.

Acquiring Stafford would likely be more challenging than Rodgers, making it interesting to see how the Steelers approach these two options. Breer believes the team is definitely in the mix for a surprise move at quarterback, and Steelers fans could see a few unexpected twists in the coming months. All eyes are now on Khan as Steeler Nation hopes for some positive roster moves.

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