Trade talks are continuing between the Los Angeles Rams and several teams for quarterback Matthew Stafford , according to multiple reports on Monday, and the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of them.
The Rams and Stafford are in the middle of promised contract negotiations after he reworked his contract last offseason, and the reason the Rams have given Stafford the ability to contact other teams is for him to be able to gauge his market value.
Stafford and his agents might not like what they hear.
According to a report by Peter Schrager of NFL Network , Stafford is seeking a contract worth at least $50 million per year. That would be a big raise over the $36 million he made in 2024 and the $40 million average annual value of the last contract he signed.
It's unlikely that Stafford will be able to find a team out there willing to pay that much for the 37-year-old. Only nine NFL quarterbacks are currently making more than $50 per season. The oldest of that group is Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott , five years younger than Stafford. Seven of the nine are under 30 years old.
Stafford's camp must be holding out hope that a very weak quarterback free agent market will have someone willing to overpay, whether that's the Rams or someone else. Should the Rams trade him, they are reportedly looking for a first-round draft pick , which could further complement such talks.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) reacts during the NFL divisional playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
In addition to the Steelers, the Cleveland Browns , Tennessee Titans , Las Vegas Raiders , New York Jets and New York Giants all appear to be in the quarterback market.
ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter believes that the Rams and Stafford will eventually find common ground on a contract. His conversations with other teams will likely reveal that his demands are not going to be met, and bring down his asking price.
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