After falling short of expectations with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields in 2025, the Pittsburgh Steelers have their sights set high at quarterback entering the 2025 offseason. Early in February, Matthew Stafford trade rumors started to swirl as insiders and analysts questioned whether the Rams could trade the veteran QB.
Now rumors are really starting to heat up.
On February 24, Sports Illustrated Insider Albert Breer released his column. His first topic was Stafford. Breer explained that, in terms of the quarterback's contract situation and the Rams' roster makeup why it makes sense to move on.
Breer also listed teams that have 'thrown their hat in the ring' and have inquired about a trade for Stafford. The Pittsburgh Steelers were among them.
"The teams you’d suspect would have their hat in the ring have, indeed, thrown their hats in the ring," Breer wrote. "The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and others have shown interest."
Steelers must come in with top offer if Matthew Stafford trade is on the table
While the LA Rams have not confirmed that a Matthew Stafford trade is possible, early signs indicate that the team could be willing to part with their 37-year-old quarterback. Stafford knows his value and would like a shot to get one more sizeable payday with guaranteed money before hanging up his cleats for good.
Meanwhile, Rams head coach Sean McVay reportedly likes quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, and with a young core of players like wide receiver Puka Nacua, edge rusher Jared Verse, and defensive tackle Braden Fiske, the team could begin the search for a young quarterback who would line up with the future Super Bowl window.
If Stafford is up for grabs, the Steelers can't miss out on an opportunity like this.
Despite his age, Stafford is coming off a season that included over 3,700 passing yards and 20 touchdowns in 16 games to go with 7.3 yards per attempt and a 93.7 passer rating. His season was capped off with an impressive playoff 27-9 playoff win over the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings.
Though the Rams lost their second playoff game, in two postseason contests in 2024, Stafford recorded 533 passing yards with four touchdowns and zero interceptions in the postseason for a 104.9 passer rating.
Stafford's postseason experience and strong finish in 2024 would give the Steelers their best chance of cracking open a Super Bowl window before it's too late. Cam Heyward turns 36 years old in May while T.J. Watt will turn 31 years old early in the 2025 season. The time to pounce is now.
Losing out on a bidding war for Stafford's services could prove especially costly if the Cleveland Browns are the team that lands the star quarterback. The Browns already have a talented roster, and adding a QB like Stafford would decrease Pittsburgh's chances of competing in the AFC next season.