Despite Speculation, Steelers Not One of Betting Favorites to Land Matthew Stafford

When reports emerged late last week that the Detroit Lions and long-time quarterback Matthew Stafford are headed for a divorce, Pittsburgh fans immediately began pitching him as a target for the Steelers.

As fun as it is to imagine Stafford in a Steeler uniform, oddsmakers do not see Pittsburgh as a legitimate candidate to acquire his services.

The Steelers are tied for the 13th-best odds in the league to be Stafford’s next home at 20/1.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers are also listed at 20/1, but quarterback appears to be the least of their worries. Green Bay has the eventual MVP in Aaron Rodgers, while Jacksonville is a lock to draft Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1-overall pick in April’s draft.

Given that the Steelers are viewed virtually the same as the Jaguars and Packers, oddsmakers clearly have little faith in their ability to assemble a package for or appear attractive to Stafford.

The Indianapolis Colts own the best odds to land Stafford at 3/1, followed by the San Francisco 49ers (7/2) and Denver Broncos (9/2).

Selected with the top pick in the 2009 NFL Draft out of Georgia, Stafford has spent his entire 12-year career in Detroit, throwing for 45,109 passing yards and 282 touchdowns.

Stafford has been selected to one Pro Bowl, and was named the league’s Comeback Player of the Year in 2011.