After first hearing of the wild proposal in February that the LA Rams could trade star quarterback Matthew Stafford, it didn't take long for the rumors to heat up. On February 24, Sports Illustrated Insider Albert Breer expressed that the Steelers are one of four named teams who 'have their hat in the ring' for a Stafford trade.
Now the latest report not only confirms the possibility of trade, it suggests a deal could come sooner than anyone anticipated.
Dan Graziano of ESPN appeared on Sports Center on Monday where he expressed that there is a 'pretty good chance' the Stafford trade situation sees a resolution this week during the NFL Combine.
"I think the Rams would like to have this resolved sooner rather than later," Graziano explained. "Ideally, maybe the early part of this week so they can get to some other business at the NFL Combine."
This is an interesting predicament. Stafford, who is still regarded by many as a top-10 quarterback, could be on the move soon if both parties elect to part ways via trade.
Steelers must have the Rams on speed dial for Matthew Stafford trade
Ideally, the Rams would love to hold onto their franchise quarterback and let him play out the final two years of his contract before hanging up his cleats. However, Stafford was given permission to see what his market value looks like... and you better believe there are teams willing to fork up for his services.
Instead of earning a $4 million roster bonus and an additional $4 million in guaranteed salary this season (in addition to a $23 million base salary), Stafford is itching for one final payday late in his career that would come with a substantial guaranteed salary. Knowing that the Rams have given Cooper Kupp permission to seek a trade is even more incentive for Stafford to get one more fresh start.
The Steelers shouldn't let the Rams take 'no' for an answer.
A trade wouldn't come cheap, as Pittsburgh would likely be forced to part with a first-round draft choice and potentially some added mid-round draft capital. But if adding Stafford busts their Super Bowl window wide open—even if only for a season or two—it would be worth it.
READ MORE: Potential Steelers packages for a blockbuster Matthew Stafford trade
We all know Mike Tomlin and Art Rooney II well enough to know they have no interest in rebuilding. Because of their all-in approach, they can't afford to settle for less at the quarterback position. Stafford is coming off a postseason that included over 500 passing yards and four passing touchdowns with zero interceptions in two games. There's no doubt he's an improvement over Russell Wilson or Justin Fields.
Unfortunately, even if the Rams and Stafford elected to mutually part ways via trade, there's no guarantee the Steelers could land the former Super Bowl-winning quarterback. Stafford will be a hot commodity and a few desperate teams could offer Los Angeles a king's ransom in return for his services.
Regardless, it never hurts to try. Steelers general manager Omar Khan should make sure Rams' GM Les Snead's phone is buzzing off the hook. If this thing goes down, Pittsburgh needs to be the first team that acts while coming in with the best offer.