Pelissero: Steelers Gain Clarity On Rams' Potential Trade Of Matthew Stafford After New Details Emerge

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 offseason has already linked them to several wide receivers and quarterbacks, which comes as no surprise given their current situation. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both had opportunities to start in 2024, but neither did enough to secure their spot for 2025. Wilson and Fields both showed flashes of their potential in 2024.

Many fans are hopeful that Fields will be given the chance to start for at least the 2025 season. However, reports indicate that the Steelers' front office is divided on Wilson and Fields. This uncertainty has left fans deeply concerned about the team's quarterback situation. The Steelers are stuck in quarterback limbo. 

Meanwhile, the future of Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams remains unclear, further fueling the drama surrounding the Steelers' quarterback search. At 37 years old, Stafford continues to play at an elite level, sparking rumors linking him to Pittsburgh. Of course, whether a trade is possible depends on what the Rams decide to do with Stafford. NFL insider Tom Pelissero recently appeared on The Rich Eisen Show to shed light on whether Stafford could be up for trade.

"My understanding has been is that the Rams have been in conversation with his agent, that they've also given his agent permission to talk to other clubs and just figure out, hey, if he became available, if there were a trade, what would the numbers be elsewhere here," Pelissero said. "The priority is for Stafford to return to the LA Rams."

Pelissero’s insights raise some interesting points. The first part of his statement highlights the uncertainty surrounding Stafford’s future with the Rams. If the team were fully committed to bringing him back for 2025, they wouldn’t be instructing his agent to shop him around. This signals that Stafford is very much a trade possibility. However, Pelissero also reports that the Rams are making it a priority to retain Stafford for 2025, adding another layer to the situation.

If the Steelers were to make a big trade for Stafford, it would be a major shakeup in the NFL. The team would need to give up significant assets and pay Stafford a hefty salary, which is a substantial risk for a 37-year-old quarterback, especially when Fields is available at a much cheaper cost and is much younger.

Steelers Would Be Getting A Still Elite Quarterback In Rams' Matthew Stafford

What makes this situation even more intriguing for the Steelers and other teams is Stafford's performance in 2024. He threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions. The most telling evidence of his continued elite play was his performance in the NFC Divisional game against the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Stafford’s ability to rise to the occasion is a key factor that could make him a highly coveted option.

Stafford had his team just one possession away from upsetting the Eagles. Despite the Rams losing 28-22, Stafford delivered an incredible performance, throwing for 324 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Given what the Eagles’ defense did to Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels, Stafford’s showing in a close playoff loss speaks volumes. It's the kind of performance that could intrigue Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and General Manager Omar Khan, making them seriously consider a major trade to bring Stafford to Pittsburgh.

While it’s not overly likely the Steelers will make this trade, the fact that the Rams have given Stafford’s agent permission to explore trade options makes the conversation possible. With the Steelers eager to end their playoff drought, it seems like every option is on the table at this point.

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