Turf Show Times
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported the bold move by LA on Friday
In a major turn of events, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that the Los Angeles Rams have now given QB Matthew Stafford permission to seek a trade. While it doesn’t confirm the veteran quarterback will be moved this offseason, it’s by far the most definitive stance LA has taken on the situation and shows they are genuinely willing to move on from their Super Bowl winning captain.
Earlier in the week it was reported by Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz that several teams have reached out to Los Angeles and belief is that a first-round pick is the Rams current asking price for Stafford. However, Schultz also reported that a reunion between the two sides was still the most likely outcome, now that seems to be more questionable.
This price tag is on point with the rumors that LA was asking for the New York Giants third overall pick in exchange by Stafford last week. This idea was initially floated out by Fox Sports Colin Cowherd on his show The Herd when he said:
“What the Rams want, I am told, they want the Giants’ first-round pick at No. 3,” he said. “So they probably want a first, a second, a first, a third, but you’ve got to pay Stafford if you’re the Giants. You have to give him a new deal. They’ll probably get a first and a fourth, but let’s just talk about that No. 3 pick. The Rams want that No. 3 pick in the draft because they’re drafting way later. They want to take that pick, move down, and get more picks. Why? So they have extra picks next year when they have to move up to get a quarterback.”
There have been many scenarios floated around about the potential replacement options for LA should they move on from Stafford. The biggest name to be linked to the Rams so far has been New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers, who will be a free agent this offseason. Adam Schefter of ESPN mentioned Rodgers when discussing the Rams’ situation on his podcast Tuesday, saying he believes Rodgers would love to play for Los Angeles.
“If the Rams couldn’t get a deal done with Stafford, if they decide to trade him – a lot of ifs involved – then Aaron Rodgers, in my mind, would be thrilled with the idea of going to Los Angeles,” Said Schefter.
Another option for the Rams is last year’s backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who played well in the team’s final game of the season vs. Seattle but is also a free agent and would need to be resigned. According to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic, McVay “really likes” Garoppolo due to the veteran passer’s “amiability, work ethic and understanding of the offense” and said that if Los Angeles turned to Garoppolo, he’d be viewed as a “bridge” to the team’s next franchise quarterback.
While there is always...
