Matthew Stafford's updated trade price might have leaked. While it may not have hit the nail on the head, the latest proposal would warm Steelers fans up to the idea of a trade. Thinking of different mock trades to select landing spots for the veteran quarterback is a tough task. No one will believe in its uniqueness, but it could expose how the trade market could alter the asking price.
Bleacher Report dropped a new article that exposes the Steelers as a landing spot. The asking price was higher just a couple of weeks ago when the 16-year veteran decided to seek outside options. He has been with the Los Angeles Rams for four years, including one Super Bowl Victory in 2022.
The biggest holdup is that Stafford is searching for a hefty pay raise this offseason, which makes a potential deal complex.
The 37-year-old gun slinger still has quality play left in the tank, but you have to be concerned about his performance on an annual basis. Expectations of his asking price sitting around $50 million per season is another red flag in this potential acquisition.
Stafford remains the best option for the Steelers this offseason, but it could set them back if a deal flops.
Steelers might accept the trade price, but his pay increase is expensive
This mock trade created by Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox is palatable.
Call me crazy, but you would be foolish not to pull the trigger on this trade if you were the Steelers. Matthew Stafford isn't an elite player anymore, but he remains one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. He would be a better option to plug and play than bringing Justin Fields or Russell Wilson back. His accuracy with the ball and his knowledge of the game has helped him stay at a high level.
An earlier mock trade listed his price at an astronomical value. They wanted a first-rounder and second-round pick this year, plus a second-round choice that could turn into another first-round selection next year if Stafford played 65% or more of the snaps. That would be a steep price, but this new mock trade would be something Pittsburgh could consider.
READ MORE: Steelers laying breadcrumbs to land another has-been QB in free agency
Rewarding this elderly player with a massive contract extension at his age would be bold. Omar Khan has proven that he is not afraid to be aggressive in the offseason. Reports claim that Pittsburgh is one of many teams who have called about Stafford's availability.
Adding a potential Hall of Fame player to the position wouldn't get the Steelers over the hump.
No matter what Mike Tomlin believes, this group is far from having postseason success, let alone winning a Super Bowl. Adding a grizzled veteran at quarterback might help them win a playoff game, but that shouldn't be the goal for the Steelers. They must rebuild with an elite roster and do their best to land a franchise quarterback in the draft.
Stop recycling quarterbacks toward the end of their careers.