Breaking Down Why the Steelers Were Never in Play for Matthew Stafford.
When rumors surfaced about the possibility of Matthew Stafford leaving the Los Angeles Rams, some fans speculated about a potential fit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, in reality, the Steelers were never a serious contender to land the veteran quarterback. Here’s why Pittsburgh was never in the mix for Stafford and why the idea was more fantasy than reality.
1. Salary Cap and Financial Constraints
One of the biggest roadblocks to any potential Steelers-Stafford deal was his contract. Stafford signed a four-year, $160 million extension with the Rams in 2022, which carries a hefty cap hit. The Steelers, known for their careful cap management, would have had to make significant moves to fit his salary under their cap. Given their roster needs—particularly along the offensive line and at other key positions—it was never realistic for Pittsburgh to allocate that much money to Stafford.
2. The Steelers’ Commitment to Kenny Pickett
The Steelers have been building around Kenny Pickett since selecting him in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. While Pickett has yet to emerge as a star, the Steelers have consistently backed him as their quarterback of the future. Acquiring Stafford would have meant abandoning their investment in Pickett just two seasons into his career—something that goes against the organization’s philosophy of patience and development.
3. Stafford’s Age and Fit with the Steelers’ Timeline
At 36 years old, Stafford is still a capable quarterback but is closer to the end of his career than the beginning. The Steelers, who are in a transition phase rather than a “win-now” Super Bowl window, are focused on developing young talent. Bringing in a veteran like Stafford would have been a short-term move that didn’t align with their long-term strategy.
4. The Cost of a Potential Trade
Even if the Rams were open to dealing Stafford, the asking price would have been steep. Given that the Steelers are still building their roster, trading high draft picks or valuable assets for an aging quarterback wouldn’t have been a smart move. The franchise has always prioritized long-term sustainability over short-term gambles, and a Stafford trade would have required exactly that—a gamble.
5. The Steelers’ Offense Wasn’t Built for Stafford
Stafford thrives in a system that allows him to push the ball downfield with a strong supporting cast. The Steelers’ offense, particularly under former offensive coordinator Matt Canada, struggled to create explosive plays and lacked a dominant offensive line. Even if Stafford were available, Pittsburgh wasn’t an ideal landing spot for him from a schematic standpoint.
Conclusion
While the idea of Matthew Stafford in black and gold might have intrigued some fans, the reality was that the Steelers were never in the running. Between salary cap concerns, their commitment to Kenny Pickett, and the overall roster-building strategy, there was never a realistic path for Stafford to land in Pittsburgh. Instead, the Steelers remain focused on developing their current roster and finding ways to improve through the draft and free agency.
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