The Pittsburgh Steelers’ quarterback situation is taking center stage this offseason. With Russell Wilson and Justin Fields both hitting free agency, the market will play a major role in determining their futures—both in the league and in Pittsburgh. While both quarterbacks have expressed strong interest in returning to the Steel City for 2025, only one is likely to be invited back.
The popular choice is Fields, given his affordability, youth, and immense upside. However, if the Steelers are truly looking to go all in with their veteran roster, there have been growing rumors linking them to seasoned quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Matthew Stafford. While Rodgers doesn’t excite many fans, Stafford is a different story.
Though Stafford is 37, he nearly led the Rams to a Super Bowl in 2024 and came incredibly close to defeating the eventual champion Philadelphia Eagles in the postseason. While it wouldn’t come cheap, Stafford to Pittsburgh is gaining real traction. The Steelers got some encouraging news regarding a potential Stafford trade when Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio revealed some strange developments in Los Angeles between Stafford and the Rams organization. Florio’s insight could signal a possible path for Stafford to land in the Steel City.
“Stafford reportedly plans to play in 2025,” Florio wrote. “That’s not the end. It’s the beginning. Due to make only $27 million in 2025, Stafford needs a bump to at least 50 percent of the top of the $60 million market at the position. Which means that the Rams and Stafford need to work out a new deal. Last year, Stafford started clamoring for a revised contract in the immediate aftermath of round one of the draft, when the Rams didn’t pick his potential replacement. While both sides kept the process quiet, it lingered until the very start of training camp — and almost didn’t get done.”
Florio believes Stafford is seeking a significant pay bump for the 2025 season. At 37 years old, and with the Rams’ roster trending younger, he questions whether the team is ready to move on and begin planning for the future at the quarterback position.
Florio also offered further insight into the growing tension between Stafford and the Rams.
“For now, it’s just a weird vibe,” Florio wrote. “And with several teams looking for quarterbacks — Jets, Steelers, Browns, Titans, Raiders, Giants, Saints (maybe) — the Rams likely remain open for business.”
The stranger the vibe between Stafford and the Rams, the better the Steelers’ chances of pursuing a trade for him. While a trade for Stafford would certainly come at a high cost, the Steelers might be willing to part with assets if they believe they’re just a quarterback away from competing. Stafford could serve as a bridge quarterback, giving the Steelers time to solidify their long-term plans.
