Matthew Stafford’s Future with the Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford are facing a pivotal moment in their relationship. Following a recent report from NFL Media, it appears that the Rams have given Stafford permission to speak with other teams about his value. This development comes at a crucial time, as the 37-year-old quarterback is due a $4 million roster bonus in March but has no guaranteed money beyond that in his $23 million contract. The situation is even more complex given that Stafford and the Rams went through a tough negotiation last year, which ended with Los Angeles sweetening his deal for 2024 by moving $5 million from his 2025 compensation and guaranteeing all $40 million. Despite the financial adjustments, Stafford delivered, leading the young Rams roster to within a play of advancing to the NFC title game.
The NFL Scouting Combine: A Critical Meeting
With the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis just around the corner, the Rams and Stafford’s agent are planning to meet to see if they can find common ground on a new deal. If they fail to reach an agreement, the Rams are likely to seek a first-round pick for Stafford. The decision to explore trade options is significant, as it reflects the Rams’ commitment to maximizing their assets and ensuring they are in the best position to compete for a Super Bowl title. Stafford, on the other hand, is keen to find a situation where he can continue to be a top-tier quarterback and lead his team to success.
Potential Trade Partners: The Colts
One of the teams that could make sense as a trade partner is the Indianapolis Colts. General Manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen have been given a one-year reprieve by owner Jim Irsay, but their positions remain precarious. The Colts are in win-now mode, and while young quarterback Anthony Richardson has shown flashes of potential, he has been inconsistent, posting an 8-7 record and a 67.8 career passer rating. Stafford would represent a clear upgrade at quarterback, providing the Colts with a veteran leader in a winnable AFC South division. The Colts own the No. 14 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, which could be enticing for the Rams.
The Vikings: A Familiar Face
The Minnesota Vikings are another potential suitor for Stafford. The Vikings had a strong regular season record of 14-3 in 2024, but their postseason performance was disappointing, particularly in their loss to the Rams. Sam Darnold, the Vikings’ current quarterback, played near an MVP level during the regular season but struggled in the playoffs. With second-year pro J.J. McCarthy still recovering from knee surgery, head coach Kevin O’Connell could benefit from having a familiar face in Stafford, whom he knows well from their time together in Los Angeles. Stafford’s experience in the NFC North, his familiarity with the division, and his proven ability to perform under pressure make him an attractive option for the Vikings, who own the No. 24 overall pick in the draft.
The Raiders: A Bridge to the Future
The Las Vegas Raiders are also in win-now mode, and bringing in a veteran quarterback like Stafford could be a key part of their strategy. With Pete Carroll and minority owner Tom Brady looking to turn things around quickly in Las Vegas, Stafford would provide a bridge quarterback who could help the team compete in the ultra-competitive AFC West while allowing them to draft and develop a younger quarterback behind him. The Raiders have been unsettled at the quarterback position since moving on from Derek Carr more than two years ago, and the instability has cost the past two head coaches and GMs their jobs. Stafford’s presence could bring stability and leadership to the locker room. The Raiders own the Nos. 6 and 37 picks in the draft, which could be attractive trade assets for the Rams.
The Giants: A Desperate Need for Stability
The New York Giants are another team that could benefit from bringing in Matthew Stafford. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen are under immense pressure to win now after a disastrous season in which they allowed their best player, Saquon Barkley, to sign with a division rival and lead them to the Super Bowl. The Giants’ decision to pay quarterback Daniel Jones instead of Barkley has backfired, as Jones has struggled with poor play, leading to his release less than two years into his extension. Stafford’s experience and leadership would mark a significant upgrade at quarterback and could help the Giants compete in the NFC East. His familiarity with the coaching staff, as his brother-in-law Chad Hall joined the Giants as the team’s assistant quarterbacks coach, is an added bonus. The Giants hold the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, which could be too expensive for the Rams, but they also own the No. 34 pick.
The Steelers: A Proven Leader
Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers could be a potential landing spot for Stafford. The Steelers have struggled at the quarterback position since Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement a few years ago, and while the combination of Justin Fields and Russell Wilson helped them reach the postseason, the offense sputtered down the stretch, averaging just 14.2 points in their final five games. Stafford has recently played his best at the end of the year, posting a 13-1 record in December and a 5-2 mark in the postseason during his Rams tenure. His ability to perform under pressure and his recent success could be a valuable asset for the Steelers, who have avoided finishing with a losing record since 2003 but have not won a playoff game since the 2016 season. The Steelers’ No. 21 overall pick in the 2025 draft could be trade bait for the Rams.
In conclusion, Matthew Stafford’s future with the Los Angeles Rams is far from certain. While the Rams and Stafford’s agent will meet at the NFL Scouting Combine to discuss a new deal, the possibility of a trade remains a real option. The Colts, Vikings, Raiders, Giants, and Steelers are all potential trade partners, each bringing their own unique needs and assets to the table. Stafford’s experience, leadership, and recent performance make him a valuable asset, and whichever team acquires him will be well-positioned to compete for a Super Bowl title.
