Do the Pittsburgh Steelers have a real chance at acquiring Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford?

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford might be heading to a new Super Bowl contender.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that the Rams have allowed Stafford to explore trade options, with early reports showing significant interest in the 37-year-old. This includes an AFC playoff team seen as a potential Super Bowl contender with the right quarterback.

 Rams Drawing Strong Interest in Matthew Stafford

SI.com’s Albert Breer revealed that at least four teams have already shown interest in Stafford, including the Pittsburgh Steelers. He emphasized that the next key move is for the Rams to decide what they want in return for the quarterback who helped them win a Super Bowl.

“What’s unclear right now is what the Rams would demand to move Stafford,” Breer wrote. “If it’s a first-round pick, would these teams still be interested, considering his $50 million-per-year deal? And if that first-rounder is in the top 10, as it is for three of the four interested teams, would the Rams accept a 2026 pick instead? If not, how can they resolve this situation with Stafford?”

The Steelers might be among the most eager to land Stafford, as they enter 2025 without a clear starting quarterback. Both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are set to hit free agency. Curt Popejoy of USA Today’s Steelers Wire highlighted that the most probable route for the Steelers is signing one of these free agents, but a third option could be trading for Stafford and pairing him with a rookie quarterback to develop behind him next season.

Popejoy also mentioned alternative options for the Steelers, like signing veteran Jameis Winston or trading up in the NFL Draft to select Cam Ward.

The Steelers have reached the playoffs in four of the last five seasons and have a roster capable of a deeper postseason run with the right quarterback.

 Matthew Stafford Could Remain in Los Angeles

Some insiders think Stafford might stay in Los Angeles, leading a young roster that could push for another Super Bowl in 2025. Breer noted that this scenario could be complicated, as the Rams initially refused to offer him a long-term extension. Meanwhile, another team might be willing to pay closer to his $50 million market value.

“Can the Rams walk this back after letting Stafford explore options?” Breer questioned. “Will they now match the financial level they previously avoided? Or would the idea of bringing in Aaron Rodgers at a discount—if he’s willing to take one to play in L.A.—or having Sean McVay work with someone like Jimmy Garoppolo or Kirk Cousins for less money appeal more, especially when combined with draft picks and extra cap space?”