With the Super Bowl over and the NFL offseason beginning, one of the biggest storylines to watch is Matthew Stafford’s future. The veteran quarterback has been the face of the Los Angeles Rams since arriving in 2021, leading them to a Super Bowl that same year and finishing last season with a QB+ rating of 71.9 (C-).
But with the Rams possibly preparing for a transitional phase and Stafford owning one of the most expensive contracts in the NFL, discussions about a potential move have begun to heat up.
While plenty of teams could use Stafford’s arm talent and championship experience, a surprising new suitor has emerged in trade talks. According to a recent report, the Pittsburgh Steelers might be a team to watch if Stafford becomes available — an idea that could shake up the offseason quarterback market and significantly impact the AFC playoff picture going forward.
Steelers Emerging as a Possible Destination for Matthew Stafford
NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated recently discussed Stafford’s situation, pointing out that the Steelers could make an aggressive move for a veteran quarterback this offseason.
“I think the Pittsburgh Steelers are shaping up to be interesting quarterback suitors,” wrote Breer. “They have a team that’s ready to win now, with T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick in their primes as leaders of a staunch defense, a fast-improving offensive line group, and a solid crew of skill players. They also don’t have forever to win with the core that’s in place.”
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Russell Wilson on a short-term deal and Justin Fields still an unknown commodity. Breer added that while Fields has plenty of upside, the Steelers might not be ready to hand him the starting job without competition.
“So, this should be the time for GM Omar Khan to act with some urgency. There are a lot of folks in Pittsburgh ready to move on from Wilson. Justin Fields, on the other hand, is someone they’d love to keep working with—but he may not have done quite enough to be awarded the starting job without qualifications. And options in the draft are, again, sparse.”
If the Steelers truly believe they have a championship-caliber roster, Stafford could be a solid fit.
“I think the Steelers are going to take a look at a lot of different ideas in the coming weeks, which could lead to someone like Stafford or Rodgers heading to Pittsburgh,” Breer added.
Rams’ Wanting to Move on From Star WR Raises More Questions
The possibility of Stafford being traded comes amid another major development for the Rams. The team recently announced that they were looking to move on from star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a decision that shocked both fans and players in the locker room.
Kupp, who won the receiving triple crown in 2021 and was named Super Bowl MVP, has been one of Stafford’s most trusted weapons over the last three seasons. The fact that Los Angeles is even entertaining the idea of trading them suggests that the franchise might be heading for a significant roster shakeup.
If the Rams are open to moving on from Stafford and Kupp, it could signal a full-scale retooling of their roster. While they still have young talent in place, including breakout receiver Puka Nacua, it’s becoming increasingly clear that Los Angeles is at a crossroads.