First Call: Steelers have 'shown interest' in Matthew Stafford; latest on Eagles' White House visit debate

Tuesday’s “First Call” has the latest on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ alleged interest in quarterback Matthew Stafford. We get a health update on a Penn State star in advance of the NFL combine.

The Cleveland Browns make a move in the secondary, and there is a new twist in the controversy over the Philadelphia Eagles and their potential trip to the White House.

Stafford and the Steelers

In the latest SI.com “Monday Morning Quarterback,” Albert Breer says the Steelers have “thrown their hat in the ring” and “have shown interest” in acquiring Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams.

To what extent and how current those conversations still might be is unclear. At least three other teams — the Giants, Raiders and Browns — are also said to have made contact with L.A. about acquiring the veteran quarterback.

“During the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX, Stafford’s camp got permission from the Rams to talk to other teams — so his reps have already had two weeks to test the market and see who’d be willing to give up trade compensation and a big, new contract to land the 37-year-old star. It has only steeled belief that, given the changing conditions of quarterback cost, he should be among the nine signal-callers now on deals averaging over $50 million per year,” Breer wrote.

It’s also unknown what the compensation package would be from the Steelers.

“If it’s a first-round pick, would the aforementioned teams still be willing to do a deal at more than $50 million per year? And if that first-round pick is in the top 10, as is the case with three of the aforementioned four teams, would the Rams be willing to take a 2026 pick instead of one this year,” Breer continued.

If Stafford’s reworked deal needs to be in the $50 million range over two years, I can’t see the Steelers making that trade, nor would they be willing to give up a first-rounder — especially not the 2026 pick with the draft being here.

I could see them giving up a second-rounder and a sweetener. But even two years in the $40 million-$45 million range strikes me as too rich for their blood, knowing that Stafford would have to play behind a still-developing offensive line with just one quality wide receiver, and a minimal run game.

If Stafford does move on, Breer thinks the Rams may turn to Jimmy Garoppolo, Kirk Cousins or Aaron Rodgers.

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Red carpet for the White House?

A report from the U.S. Sun in advance of the Super Bowl stated that the Philadelphia Eagles wouldn’t go to the White House if they won the NFL title.

Now, that story is being debunked.

According to ProFootballTalk.com, the Eagles will visit the White House if invited by President Donald Trump.

“A source with direct knowledge of the team’s plans tells PFT that the Eagles will show up, if invited,” Mike Florio posted Monday. “Per the source, the Eagles would be honored to attend. The source adds that rejecting an invitation was never considered.”

According to PFT, an invitation has yet to be issued, as is tradition for major pro sports team champions.

The Eagles didn’t go to the White House after they won Super Bowl LII. In 2018, The Eagles were “uninvited” when a number of their players opted out of going because of the National Anthem controversy.

The team attempted to send a smaller delegation, but Trump refused.

Nothing to see here

Penn State’s Abdul Carter won’t be working out in Indianapolis during this week’s NFL Scouting Combine. Agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the junior defensive end from Philadelphia will opt out of on-field work.

Penn St. DE and potential No. 1 pick Abdul Carter will not work out at the combine because he has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury he suffered vs. Boise State, according to his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Carter played through the injury vs. Notre Dame in… pic.twitter.com/SJlgCMKqxl

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 24, 2025

Carter is coming off an injury. He hurt a shoulder during PSU’s playoff win over Boise State but suited up and played in the ensuing loss to Notre Dame.

Rosenhaus told Schefter that Carter should be recovered in time to work out at his pro day at Penn State on March 28.

At 6-foot-3, 259 pounds, Carter is expected to be a top-5 pick. Rosenhaus added that Carter will undergo physical exams and interviews with teams at the combine.

Out with the Browns

The Browns are saying goodbye to one of their defensive backs. According to the NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the franchise is releasing Juan Thornhill.

The 29-year-old safety had one year and $7 million left on his contract. Apparently, the move was done in part to give Thornhill a jumpstart on free agency.

The #Browns are releasing veteran S Juan Thornhill, sources say. The team and Thornhill's camp spoke in recent days and the decision was made to part ways now, giving Thornhill a few weeks before free agency to find his next home.

Thornhill had one year at $7m left on his deal. pic.twitter.com/CcNQpn5jc2

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 24, 2025

The 2018 product of UVA signed with Cleveland in 2023 on a three-year deal. He started his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and played there for four seasons. This past season, Thornhill finished tied for seventh on the team with 49 tackles.

In two full seasons with Cleveland, Thornhill missed 12 games and failed to register an interception, fumble or sack.