Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams remain in a standoff over a new contract, which has led the team to grant permission to the veteran quarterback to speak with other teams about his value.
While this doesn’t mean a trade is imminent, a recent report suggested that the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers and Las Vegas Raiders have legitimate interest in completing a deal for Stafford.
The 37-year-old generating interest around the league is no surprise considering how many teams are desperate for a franchise quarterback.
The Rams have been seeking a first-round draft pick in talks with other teams, but they are now expected to raise their asking price due to the significant interest Stafford is receiving, via Dianna Russini of The Athletic:
Matthew Stafford’s exploration of his market value the last few weeks has indeed attracted significant interest from teams, notably the Raiders and the Giants, per sources.
Teams are anticipating the Rams will now be driving up the asking price if they decide to move him. pic.twitter.com/8PS7GqXaPM— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) February 26, 2025
Stafford is expected to meet with the Rams at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week to see if some common ground can be found. If not, there is a real possibility that the two-time Pro Bowler will be playing elsewhere next season.
If the Rams trade Stafford, they will absorb a $45.3 million dead cap hit in 2025 and nearly $23 million the following season. Also complicating matters is that L.A. doesn’t have a quarterback on their roster who could take the reins from Stafford.
Stetson Bennett has not taken a snap in the NFL and Jimmy Garoppolo — their backup quarterback from last season — is set to reach free agency.
If the Rams are able to add a first-round pick near the top of the upcoming NFL Draft, they could use it on one of the top quarterbacks. There are also rumblings that Aaron Rodgers would be interested in potentially joining L.A. as a free agent.
Sean McVay addresses contract situation with Matthew Stafford
Rams head coach Sean McVay recently spoke about Matthew Stafford’s contract situation for the first time and expressed hope that the sides will work things out.
Even before McVay discussed the topic publicly, reports had already surfaced that he is ‘adamant’ about the Rams finding a way to keep the quarterback that won them a Super Bowl just three years ago.
