ESPN Predicts Steelers Make Risky Quarterback Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback situation is a major storyline heading into the 2025 offseason. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields spent the 2024 season in Pittsburgh, showing flashes of potential. However, neither quarterback did enough to solidify their spot on the roster for 2025.

With both Wilson and Fields set to hit free agency, signs point to the Steelers leaning toward Fields. Many fans support this move, as Fields is expected to be far more affordable than Wilson. However, the free-agent quarterback market is thin, and the upcoming draft class lacks top-tier talent. If the Steelers decide not to re-sign either Wilson or Fields, they may explore the trade market.

One potential trade generating buzz among Steelers fans involves acquiring 37-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams. While Stafford’s age and the cost of acquiring him present risks, some believe he could be the missing piece to elevate Pittsburgh’s offense back to Super Bowl contention. On Friday morning, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz fueled the speculation with a bold prediction linking the Steelers to a possible Stafford trade.

"The Steelers ranked 13th in pass block win rate (62%) last season, which is important with an older pocket quarterback such as Stafford," Schatz said. "Pittsburgh still needs to add receiving help, with both Van Jefferson and Mike Williams hitting free agency, but there would be hope that Stafford could truly activate the talents of George Pickens."

Among the veteran quarterbacks linked to the Steelers, Stafford has emerged as the most popular option. Compared to Aaron Rodgers and Wilson, Stafford seems to be the one with the best chance of elevating the team. 

Schatz believes Stafford would be an ideal fit in Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith’s system, making him an intriguing target for Pittsburgh.

"Also, Stafford is a better fit for Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith than Aaron Rodgers because of Stafford's experience in Sean McVay's play-action-heavy system with the Rams," Schatz said. "The Steelers and Rams were both near the top of the league in using more conventional quarterback-under-center formations (31% of passes for each team)."

Steelers fans seem eager for the team to commit to Fields and see what he can do. As the youngest and most electrifying option, Fields offers immense potential. If he can put the pieces together in Pittsburgh, he has the talent and charisma to become the face of the franchise.

The concern with Fields is consistency. For every highlight-reel play, there's a costly mistake that raises doubts about his ability to be a true franchise quarterback. While he's shown flashes of brilliance as both a passer and rusher, his game still needs refinement to reach its full potential.

Steelers Could Be Desperate Enough To Trade For Matthew Stafford

The Steelers have an aging veteran roster, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Despite their talent, those stars have yet to experience much postseason success. That’s why the idea of making a bold trade for Stafford is intriguing. 

Stafford is also a Super Bowl champion and one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, even at this stage in his career.

In 2024, Stafford led the Rams to the brink of a Super Bowl appearance, coming closer than any other team to defeating the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles. Although he's nearing the twilight of his career, Stafford has proven he still has plenty of good football left, making him an appealing option for the Steelers as they look to maximize their current window of contention.

#SteelerNation