PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – “They seriously not only become a contender in the AFC, but they are going to be a contender in the NFL.”
What former Bills GM Doug Whaley said on the Fan Morning Show if the Steelers add quarterback Matthew Stafford. The agents for the 37-year-old are currently exploring his trade value and what he might get in a new contract. He has two more years on his current deal that pays him $40 million a season, but reportedly wants to be paid in the $45 million range.
Whaley said he was able to help lift the Rams to a Super Bowl title. Saying they were a middle of the road team like the Steelers, get in the playoffs and lose. Los Angeles made the move to reach the ultimate goal of winning a championship which they did. Stafford threw for 3,762 yards with 20 TD and 8 interception and a 93.7 quarterback rating in 2024.
“If he does his homework, I think it would be something that he would really have to entertain because the defense is in place,” Whaley told The Fan Morning Show. “Some people, especially here in Pittsburgh, will argue that is not the case. But on paper the defense is in place.”
There is then a qualifier with Whaley’s statements.
“Matthew Stafford makes them a legitimate contender as long as they get an offensive weapon or two around him,” Whaley told Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson. “You can’t just have Matthew Stafford come in here and not put some pieces around him that threatened a defense.”
They would also have to meet whatever the contract demands would be for the NFL’s 10th all-time leading passer with 59,809 yards. The team has the cap room, but they have other needs along with the offensive weapons at receiver and running back. They need a starting corner, depth on the defensive line and TJ Watt is up for a new contract.
Stafford would likely also want some offensive assurances. Last year there were times that reportedly Russell Wilson wasn’t allowed to audible. He would need control. Stafford would also most assuredly want to see an offense that would be more aggressive.
“I think that’s not a bad marriage with the way the Steelers are thinking about always competing,” Whaley said on 93.7 The Fan. “But more importantly using that last year or two or three of these defensive stalwarts to make that run because they are on the back side of their careers.”
“Let’s put the gang together. Let’s make a run and worry about the future after that.”