Steelers Would Become A Free Agent Hotspot With Addition Of Matthew Stafford: 'People Want To Come Play'

If the Pittsburgh Steelers truly want to get out of the pain of mediocrity, as well as quarterback purgatory, they have to get the best signal-caller available. As of now, the top option is Matthew Stafford, who led the Los Angeles Rams to an NFC West division title in 2024. He even helped take the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles to the brink of elimination, despite being at a major disadvantage thanks to the snowstorm. He has already been linked to Pittsburgh -- Stafford to Western Pennsylvania could be a great fit for both parties.

On an episode of The Stinkin Truth Podcast, analyst Mark Schlereth talked about how beneficial it would be for the Steelers to acquire Stafford. Even with the upgrade at quarterback, the positives go far beyond what he would do on the field. 

"You have a quarterback; people want to come play there," explained Schlereth. "You can't tell me, for instance, if Matthew Stafford went to Pittsburgh, people wouldn't be lined up going, 'Wait a minute, they got Matthew Stafford, they've got a head coach that everyone respects, they've got a defense that can ball with TJ Watt. Yeah, I'll go...' If you're a receiver, would you go to Pittsburgh? You're d*mn right, you would. Play opposite of George Pickens, they got a couple of tight ends that can play. Of course you would, so you grab a quarterback, and Pittsburgh will be a destination spot."

It's no secret that quarterback is the most important position in the NFL. If you don't have one, you have next-to-no odds to even make the Super Bowl, let alone win one. Why would someone like Christian Kirk or Jaire Alexander come to Pittsburgh if they're going to keep being a free win for whoever they play in the Wild Card Round? 

To get Stafford, the Steelers will need to give up some solid assets. The general consensus appears to be that a second and a third-round pick would be enough to get the deal done. General Manager Omar Khan may try to get that number down a bit, but it's safe to say that he will be aggressively calling the Rams up to make it happen.

Not only that, but he would want a new contract that gives him more money. Stafford is currently slated to make $27 million in 2025, which includes a $4 million roster bonus, as well as $31 million in 2026 with a $5 million roster bonus included in that. The Steelers currently have about $60 million in cap space in 2025 and a whopping $164 million in 2026, so they can afford to give Stafford what he wants.

Steelers Have Been Linked To Many Other Free Agents

If Stafford truly does help the Steelers get more talent, then it's safe to say that they would have their choice of all kinds of free agents. Maybe they could get a package deal with Cooper Kupp or pick up a possible cap casualty like Kirk. The Steelers have been linked to so many wide receivers, and unlike the 2024 offseason, they won't have to just put all their eggs in the San Francisco 49ers' basket. 

The Steelers still need defensive help too. They need more help at cornerback and defensive line. When you have an offense that takes the burden off of it all, it makes it much easier to play your spot. Alexander would be a great partner for Joey Porter Jr. in the secondary, with maybe Rasul Douglas helping out in the slot.

If all this is more possible with the addition of Stafford, why would the Steelers not do everything they can to make sure he is wearing black and gold? Another year of Russell Wilson likely won't change anything, and neither would a free agent like Sam Darnold. Go big or go home. Your move, Khan.