The case for and against the Rams parting with Stafford

As illogical as a trade might seem, we examined why Los Angeles would consider it. 

Here’s the case for and against the Rams trading Stafford this offseason.

The case for

Stafford’s trade value might never get any higher

If Los Angeles intends to transition from the Stafford era, this offseason is the best time to part ways. His current deal expires in 2026, giving a potential next team two seasons with Stafford under contract. Considering the dearth of good quarterbacks in this year’s free agency class — Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is arguably the best available — the Rams could get significant value in return for their Super Bowl-winning quarterback.

The Rams would get younger at quarterback 

Los Angeles has undergone a youth movement everywhere on its roster but at quarterback. Getting younger at the position would put the team’s core on the same timeline. Stafford recently turned 37. The Rams could pursue Darnold, 27, Steelers quarterback Justin Fields, 25, or a rookie in this year’s draft class to add to a core that includes wide receiver Puka Nacua, defensive end Jared Verse and defensive tackle Braden Fiske, all players on rookie contracts.

A trade would save the Rams $4.3 million or $27 million in 2025 salary cap space 

Despite already being an estimated $44.3M under the projected 2025 cap, the Rams could be financially motivated to move on from Stafford. Per Spotrac, Los Angeles would save $4.3M against the cap by trading Stafford in a pre-June 1 transaction and $26,999,999 in a post-June 1. With the Rams also exploring trade options for Super Bowl MVP wide receiver Cooper Kupp, they could unload millions as they build their next Super Bowl-contending roster.

The case against

Rams can win a Super Bowl next season with Stafford

The biggest problem with Los Angeles deciding to rebuild is that it is good enough to contend for a Lombardi Trophy in 2025 with its veteran quarterback. 

In 2024, the Rams won nine of their last 12 regular-season games to reach the playoffs and nearly beat the eventual champion Eagles on the road in the divisional round. If Los Angeles wants to compete for a Super Bowl title in 2025, it must keep Stafford.

Younger doesn’t equal better 

If any team should understand this, it’s the Rams. Nine years ago, they went all-in to acquire the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft and select quarterback Jared Goff, only to trade him five years later for Stafford, who expeditiously led the franchise to their first Lombardi Trophy since the 1999 season. 

While going younger would remove the threat of their quarterback retiring anytime soon, that might be the only benefit.

Quarterback purgatory is no place to be

The NFL’s best teams have more constants than variables. Why would the Rams want to subject themselves to a future shrouded in uncertainty at quarterback? 

Los Angeles knows what it has in Stafford. Anyone who watched some of the throws he made during the 2024 playoffs understands that he’s still elite. Discarding Stafford would be the ultimate sign of hubris from Los Angeles, a bet that head coach Sean McVay would make things work with anyone at quarterback. Considering how difficult it is for teams to find a franchise quarterback, that’s a ridiculous way of thinking. Quarterbacks like Stafford don’t grow on trees. If so, he wouldn’t be nearly as valuable of a trade chip.