The 2025 offseason presents a pivotal juncture for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. While technically under contract for two more seasons, Stafford’s deal essentially functions on a year-to-year basis, with no guaranteed money beyond the 2025 season. This arrangement allows both parties to assess their respective situations and determine the most suitable course of action.
The Rams, in particular, find themselves at a crossroads. A potential “soft reset” strategy may involve parting ways with Stafford, a move that would signal a significant shift in the team’s direction. This strategic shift is already evident in the team’s pursuit of a trade for wide receiver Cooper Kupp, indicating a potential rebuild on the horizon.
Recently Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports detailed a trade option with the Pittsburgh Steelers:
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — Matthew Stafford trade package
Rams get: 2025 first-round pick (No. 21 overall), 2025 second-round pick (No. 52 overall), conditional 2026 second-round pick (can become a first if Stafford plays 65% of the snaps in 2025).
Steelers get: Matthew Stafford, 2025 first-round pick (No. 26 overall)
This may look a bit convoluted, with several picks exchanging hands, but we highlight this specific type of trade for a reason. It’s loosely mirroring the deal that the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets struck around Aaron Rodgers back in 2023. While the deal ultimately blew up in New York’s face, it’s a fascinating structure to work with as it relates to a potential Stafford trade because the QBs were/are in similar spots in their careers.
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For The Rams, they get to move up a handful of spots in the 2025 NFL Draft while also picking up a second-rounder this year and a potential first in the following draft. Given how well Les Snead has operated the draft in recent years, there should be plenty of confidence in bringing in blue-chip players with each of those selections.
Meanwhile, the Steelers need a quarterback and aren’t within range of drafting a young signal-caller in what is, by all accounts, a thin draft class at the position. So, instead of trying to run it back with Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields, they make a splash by adding Stafford to contend in the AFC North.