Nearly four years after the trade that moved him from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford might be on the verge of another major deal.
The Rams allowed Stafford to communicate with other teams regarding a possible trade that would move him from Los Angeles, with the Las Vegas Raiders standing out as a leading contender for the experienced quarterback. Stafford had a meeting with minority owner Tom Brady, which sparked some controversy and led the NFL to comment on the situation this week.
NFL Exonerates Raiders in Discussions with Matthew Stafford
Vincent Bonsignore from the Las Vegas Review-Journal noted that the Raiders have been proactive in their pursuit of Stafford, with Brady assuming a prominent role in the recruitment efforts.
“The Raiders have surfaced as a possible destination for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has received authorization from the Rams to engage with other teams to assess his market beyond Los Angeles,” Bonsignore reported.
“Tom Brady, a minority owner of the Raiders, has reached out to Stafford’s representatives regarding the potential for the 37-year-old to join Las Vegas, as per various NFL sources.”
The conversations sparked speculation that the Raiders might be interfering with the contracted Stafford, but the league clarified that the quarterback was given the team’s explicit consent to communicate with other teams.
“A league representative informed the Las Vegas Review-Journal, ‘There is no problem here.’” “The Rams permitted the player and his representative to have discussions with the Raiders.”
The Raiders didn’t publicly express their interest in Stafford, but general manager John Spytek indicated that the team was on the lookout for talent.
“I’d prefer not to discuss players from other teams and risk problems during my first press conference here,” Spytek stated. “However, I would simply state that if there’s a chance for any player we believe could enhance the Raiders, we will explore it.”
The Raiders faced difficulties at quarterback last season, as veteran Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell both dealt with injuries and displayed inconsistent performances on the field. Without a definite direction at quarterback, Stafford was viewed as a solid choice for a team aiming to re-enter playoff discussions.
Ex-Lions Adversary Might Succeed Matthew Stafford
Although it is uncertain if the Rams will trade Stafford, there has been talk about a former Lions competitor potentially taking his place in Los Angeles next season. Pat Leonard from the New York Daily News stated that Aaron Rodgers hopes to transition from New York to Los Angeles as soon as his release from the Jets is confirmed.
“According to sources for the Daily News, Rodgers, 41, favors joining the Rams, and the departing Jets quarterback intends to bring Davante Adams along when the Jets receiver is a free agent,” reported Leonard.
“Thus, in theory, the Rams might gain valuable assets by trading Stafford and wideout Cooper Kupp.” They could also incorporate Rodgers and Adams into a Sean McVay offense featuring No. 1 wide receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams.