Steelers Fans Might Be Surprised By The Rams' Asking Price For Matthew Stafford

The Pittsburgh Steelers are once again in a position of needing to find a quarterback for the upcoming season. After bringing Russell Wilson and Justin Fields on board in 2024 on one-year contracts, they are no better off than they were this time last season. Team Owner and President Art Rooney II said he wants to see Wilson or Field return this upcoming season, but there are no guarantees.

Fields has been linked to other teams, and after a late-season slump, Wilson may have fallen out of favor with many in the organization. There are rumors of division among the staff regarding which quarterback they would prefer, with some speculating that Rooney wants Wilson, while Head Coach Mike Tomlin now prefers Fields.

Fields and Wilson each had a chance to start several games in 2024, but neither of them were so overwhelmingly impressive that they seemed like a lock for the future. While many feel that Fields is the best option for the team, given his age and athletic ability, it has led to speculation. One of the names being thrown about now is Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams.

The Stafford to Pittsburgh rumors began because the Rams are potentially looking to offload the former number one pick, and his tremendous cap hit onto another team for the upcoming season. The rumors are fueled by the report that the team has permitted Stafford's agent to seek out a trade. The big question is what the Rams would demand for Stafford and what he would want to be paid. He may be 37 years old, but he did help them win a Super Bowl in 2022.  

Most fans assume that Stafford would be expensive, including a first-round draft pick and a big contract. However, Stafford might not be as costly as people initially thought. Mark Kaboly of The Pat McAfee Show recently spoke with The Fan Morning Show and was asked about Stafford. Show host Adam Crowley said he expects first-round compensation and a big contract.

"I don't know if he's gonna cost you a first-round pick," said Kaboly. "I mean, he's still 37, making a lot of money, so a lot of times if you're trying to get rid of him, a lot of times teams just give him a way for a second or third-day pick, so I'm not quite sure of that."

The situation with Stafford is interesting. Many of the fans complaining about Wilson's age, 36, are all in on Stafford, who is a year older. However, Stafford didn't look like a 37-year-old during the 2024 season. He seemed prepared to help the Rams hoist another Lombardi Trophy. Unfortunately, they were eliminated by the eventual Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.  

Stafford is a huge financial hit for the Rams, regardless of what they do with him. If they offload him to another team, he comes with a $45.3 million dead cap hit for 2025 and another almost $23 million in 2026. Some sources feel the Rams will want to renegotiate and run it back with Stafford. However, Stafford, who is set to make less than $30 million this season, wants a contract that pays him commensurate with the league's other top quarterbacks. 

Steelers Also Need Weapons

It won't matter who the Steelers have at quarterback if they don't have anyone for him to throw the ball to. The only receiver of substance on the roster is George Pickens, and his future isn't certain. 

After learning a brutal lesson about wide receivers in 2024, the Steelers seem unlikely to make that mistake again. While many think they will select a receiver in the first-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, they will still need to find a veteran to add as well. If they spend the majority of their money on Stafford, it doesn't leave much for weapons. 

Do you think the Rams would let Stafford go for less than a first-round pick? Tell us what you think below!

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