There was a recent trade scenario bandied about on social media this weekend that suggested the Pittsburgh Steelers would receive Matthew Stafford and the Rams first round pick (26th) while sending L.A. our first, second and conditional second for 2026. That conditional pick would become a first rounder should Stafford play 65% of the snaps in 2025. So let’s discuss this from a few angles here.
The Picks
I have a hard time trading day one and day two picks period but especially for a 37-year old player. Potentially two firsts and a second rounder is just too much for a player that may be around for a year or two. When you look back at the trade for Minkah Fitzpatrick you can see that price was easier to swallow. The Steelers gave up a first, fifth and sixth in return for Minkah, a fourth and a seventh. Fitzpatrick was still quite young and GM Kevin Colbert looked at the move as though he were using his first round pick on the talented safety. Therefore, that deal was much easier to take for fans.
The Player
You won’t get an argument from me that Matthew Stafford is still in the upper tier of QBs in the NFL right now. He’s experienced, tough and smart and would make any team – especially the Steelers – instantly better.
The problem isn’t with Stafford. The problem is the fact that this current roster isn’t that good. This team is, as we currently sit here in mid-February, not as good as it was entering last season. With this in mind, why bring Stafford to Pittsburgh when there is still so much need for talent around him?
The wide receiver room lacks starting talent and depth. The running backs have Jaylen Warren and nothing else (assuming Cordarrelle Patterson is cut) and the offensive line will again be young and still trying to find itself. If the Steelers were more consistent defensively and had more talent on offense then I could absolutely see why bringing Stafford here would make sense.
Unfortunately, I don’t view it as a good fit for him and the Steelers have to keep adding in other places in order to seriously consider a postseason run. Getting rid of three high draft picks does nothing to further that pursuit.
