Could Jets' trade for Aaron Rodgers be blueprint for Steelers acquiring Matthew Stafford?

Earlier this week, NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said he believes "an outside quarterback" has the best chance to be the Pittsburgh Steelers' starter for the 2025 season. Breer also named the Steelers as the top "ideal fit" for Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams.

For a piece published Friday, NFL analyst Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports suggested that the Steelers could land Stafford and the 26th overall pick of the 2025 draft from the Rams in exchange for overall selections No. 21 and No. 52 this year along with a 2026 second-round pick that becomes a first-round choice if Stafford plays 65% of the snaps for Pittsburgh next season. 

"This may look a bit convoluted, with several picks exchanging hands, but we highlight this specific type of trade for a reason. It's loosely mirroring the deal that the Green Bay Packers and New York Jets struck around Aaron Rodgers back in 2023," Sullivan wrote. "...It's a fascinating structure to work with as it relates to a potential Stafford trade because the QBs were/are in similar spots in their careers." 

To compare, Rodgers turned 40-years-old in December 2023. Stafford will be 37 through all of next season. 

The Steelers appear ready to let both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields reach free agency when the new league year opens on March 12 after stories hinted throughout January that one of them could return for another season. Just about anybody and everybody who covers the club has poured cold water over the idea of Pittsburgh pursuing Rodgers if he decides he wants to continue playing, and at least one analyst thinks Kirk Cousins of the Atlanta Falcons is a bad fit for every AFC North team. 

While Stafford continues to be the subject of trade rumors, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter said on the latest edition of the "Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard" podcast that the Rams' "first priority" and "interest" is signing Stafford to an extension sooner rather than later. 

"And I think Matthew would like to be back in L.A.," Schefter explained. 

The Steelers may or may not be willing to complete a blockbuster trade for a quarterback ahead of the 2025 draft. It's also worth mentioning that acquiring Stafford wouldn't prevent Pittsburgh from taking a flier on a prospect such as Ohio State signal-caller Will Howard in the third round of the player-selection process as long as the one-time Super Bowl champion would be willing to serve as a mentor for a to-be rookie. 

Sullivan's proposal ultimately could benefit everybody involved if Stafford and the Rams aren't able to come to an agreement on a deal over the next several weeks.