NFL Trade Rumors
Dan Graziano of ESPN says that according to sources close to the situation, Rams veteran QB Matthew Stafford is expected to return to the team next season.
Stafford just turned 37 and reportedly believes that the Rams’ leadership gives them the ability to be playoff contenders once again next season.
Graziano adds that Stafford’s current cap hit for 2025 is roughly $50 million so it’s possible the team could look to convert some of his salary into bonuses to lower that number to something more typical for a good NFL starting quarterback.
Jeremy Fowler’s sources tell him that the team isn’t overly concerned about Stafford not returning despite his contract status, given that he is generally happy with the offense and the direction of the team.
However, Fowler notes that teams could likely reach out to the Rams about a potential trade for Stafford, and if Los Angeles makes him available, he would be considered the top quarterback on the market this offseason.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reported Wednesday that Stafford plans to continue playing, with the two sides likely looking to sit down and negotiate a new deal.
Stafford said a few weeks ago that he would “take some time to think about it.”
“But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball,” Stafford added. He was then asked if he felt like he still had more football left in him to which he replied: “Sure feels like it.”
“Had a chance for it and didn’t get it done,” Stafford said of falling short to the Eagles. “But I love competing. I love being in those moments. Sure as hell not afraid of them. And competed my ass off and it didn’t go the way I wanted to today. Next time I’m out there, line it up. Let’s do it again.”
Los Angeles HC Sean McVay wants clarity and is looking to avoid a situation like last offseason where they didn’t get a revised deal done until the start of training camp.
“We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay said, via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication.”
“I think there’s a lot of love coming from our part. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario.”
Rams GM Les Snead was asked if the Rams would consider trading Stafford and he didn’t say no.
“[I]t’ll take someone calling or us reaching out if we want to do that,” Snead said via Pro Football Talk. “Those are the things that’ll be determined down the road here.”
Stafford, 37, is a former first-round pick of the Lions, who took him with the No. 1 overall pick out of Georgia in 2009. He was in the final year of a five-year, $76.5 million contract when he and the...
