For the second consecutive offseason, there’s legitimate uncertainty about Matthew Stafford’s future with the Los Angeles Rams.
Last offseason, the Rams and Stafford were embroiled in contract negotiations to pay the quarterback more guaranteed money. The two sides were able to come to a resolution at the beginning of training camp, but now the same problem has risen back up.
At his best, Stafford remains one of the most dangerous passers in the NFL and instantly elevates a team’s ceiling. Los Angeles has been adamant that they want Stafford back for the 2025 season, but it remains to be seen if they’re willing to pay him like a top-10 quarterback in the league.
Stafford’s name has been in numerous trade rumors and if the Rams do part ways with him, it would need to be for at least a first-round pick, per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports:
“Several teams, per league sources, have called L.A. about Stafford and the belief is a first-round pick would probably be the asking price should the Rams choose to make a deal. Again, the Rams want him back (he also carries a $49.3 million cap hit if released) and there’s been nothing to this point that would suggest Stafford doesn’t want to play for them, but this is undoubtedly one of the biggest storylines heading into free agency next month. Before then, the Rams and Stafford’s agent are planning to meet in Indianapolis to see if they can find common ground.”
Several quarterback-needy teams like the New York Jets, New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders all could use someone like Stafford to turn their fortunes around and each has the draft capital to make a blockbuster deal.
Trading away Stafford could end up being a mistake regardless of what kind of draft compensation comes back because the team would then have a sizable gap at the quarterback position. The team could roll with veteran options like Jimmy Garoppolo who was Stafford’s backup, or they can draft a successor.
There’s also the option to sign a veteran free agent such as Aaron Rodgers, though keeping Stafford would be L.A.’s best bet to compete for a title next season.
Adam Schefter explains how Matthew Stafford’s contract situation affects Aaron Rodgers
Both the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford are reportedly interested in a reunion, but if the two sides can’t reach a new deal then the most plausible replacement would be someone like Aaron Rodgers.
