In a speculative article, Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports laid out possible landing spots for Matthew Stafford if he gets traded. These mock trades are reasonable, considering Stafford remains one of the best quarterbacks in football despite his advanced age. He isn't much of a distraction, and his contract situation isn't the toughest to navigate.
As things sit today, Stafford and the Rams are at a crossroads. They have reviewed his contract situation annually as both parties try to see what is best as his career winds down. After a slow start this past season, the Rams picked up steam and won a playoff game. The Steelers have been desperate to make some noise in the postseason for eight years.
Stafford wouldn't be a perfect fit for Pittsburgh, but he might be worth the gamble.
Fans will not enjoy trading away possible draft picks to land Stafford. The Steelers believe they are a quarterback away from contending or winning a playoff game or two. Mike Tomlin and company are eager to make some postseason headway. Adding Stafford would probably help that cause. The veteran quarterback remains one of the best in the NFL.
Steelers would be dilutional to commit to this trade for Matthew Stafford
In this mock trade proposal, Pittsburgh only has to move back a couple of draft picks in the first round and move some second-round picks. The condition mentioned for the second-round choice in 2026 would become a first-round selection if Stafford plays 65% or more of the snaps. That condition would happen unless Stafford gets injured.
Realistically, this trade would likely have the Steelers pay a first and second-round pick over the next two years, plus moving back five picks in this year's first round.
That does seem like a steep price on the surface, but if Pittsburgh truly believes they are one-star quarterback away from making a playoff run, they should consider it. Omar Khan expressed interest in Cooper Kupp before, so maybe the Steelers could consider a two-player addition from the Rams.
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Stafford just turned 37 years old, but his game hasn't shown deterioration other than his touchdown numbers starting to decrease. He remains reliable with the ball in his hands and can help navigate the field. His fit in Arthur Smith's offense would be puzzling. They want a mobile quarterback, which Stafford is not. They would have to retool their scheme to fit around the grizzled vet.
Moving that many draft picks to land Stafford is a big gamble. In reality, the Steelers are not close to being contenders. The organization seems to believe otherwise. Don't rule out the addition of Stafford or any other potential quarterback who might become available. Pittsburgh wants things to change, but their football team doesn't believe they stink.