PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – If you believe the Steelers are a quarterback away and they could fill their other needs during this offseason, Matthew Stafford is an option. How good of a fit? A look at the numbers.
This came to being after the Rams gave Stafford’s agents the opportunity to see what he is worth. It’s not just figuring out the trade value, but in a potentially new or reworked contract. Rams get the benefit of knowing what that dollar figure. It doesn’t mean he is definitely going to be traded, but shows the Rams could be bought with two more seasons on his current deal.
It’s also worth noting the 37-year-old Stafford is looking for more money. According to spotrac.com, he will make $49 million in base salary the next two years ($23 million in 2025) with a $4 million roster bonus in 2025 and $5 million in 2026.
It has been reported the Rams would likely ask for a first-round pick, which could be negotiated, but it gives you an idea of the trade cost. The financial costs going forward are unclear. In terms of his place among other NFL starters-he is currently the 15th highest paid quarterback in terms of his total value. He was 12th in the NFL last year in Total QBR and 15th in QB rating, behind Russell Wilson at 14.
Would you be getting much better from Stafford than the 36-year-old Wilson?
Comparing them last season
· Stafford, 37-years-old, 16 starts, 10-6 record, 65.8% completion, 3,762 yards, 20 TD, 8 INT, 6 fumbles, 28 sacks
· Wilson, 36-years-old, 11 starts, 6-5 record, 63.7% completion, 2.482 yards, 16 TD, 5 INT, 5 fumbles, 33 sacks
Here are other notes about Stafford’s 2024:
· Didn’t throw more than one interception in a game all season
· Gave Philly the toughest game in the postseason throwing for 324 yards with 2 TD in 34-degree, snowy road game in a 28-22 loss. He did fumble twice and was sacked 5 times
· Had a pair of four-touchdown games including in a 30-20 win over 14-win Minnesota
· Lost 41-10 game at Arizona in Week 2 and a 24-18 game at Chicago in Week 4
· After a loss to Miami on November 11 only lost two other times, both to the Eagles
As for the talent around him compared to Wilson with the Steelers last year. As the Rams offensive got healthier, they were ranked as a Top 10 unit, although they struggled against the Eagles. Pro Football Focus ranked Los Angeles 14th overall. Steelers were ranked 27th by PFF with their highest ranked player James Daniels, although he barely played. They did rank rookie Zach Frazier as a Top 6 center.
It’s the quarterback rumor of the minute. Free agency begins March 12.