The direction the Los Angeles Rams take with their offensive line could be heavily influenced by Matthew Stafford’s future. While there’s speculation about Stafford being moved — especially with star wide receiver Cooper Kupp reportedly on the trade block — ESPN’s Dan Graziano indicated that Stafford is likely to remain in L.A. for the 2025 season.
“Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to return to L.A. in 2025, according to sources close to the situation,” Graziano wrote. “However, something will have to be done with Stafford’s contract, similar to last offseason. Expect the Rams to convert salary into bonuses to lower his cap hit and bring his 2025 compensation in line with that of a good starting NFL quarterback.”
If the Rams do explore a trade, CBS Sports suggested a potential deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, using the Aaron Rodgers-to-the-Jets trade as a model. The proposed trade would have the Steelers sending their 2025 first-round pick in exchange for the Rams’ first-round pick this year — a difference of just five spots — along with a 2025 second-round pick and a 2026 conditional second-round pick that could become a first-rounder depending on Stafford’s snap count.
The proposed trade package for Matthew Stafford is in line with what Aaron Rodgers fetched when he left Green Bay, and it makes sense for the Steelers if they’re looking to capitalize on their Super Bowl window. However, Stafford’s need for a reworked contract and the signs of decline he began showing make this a riskier proposition.
Moreover, Stafford’s injury history is a major concern. With the Steelers fielding a young, still-developing offensive line, those durability issues might only be amplified in Pittsburgh, making the trade less appealing. If Stafford were to be acquired, the team would have to weigh both the immediate boost he could provide and the long-term uncertainties surrounding his health and performance.