A new report suggests that former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is taking steps towards potentially leaving the Los Angeles Rams. The Detroit Lions are focused on their coaching staff and roster during the offseason, while Stafford, now with the Rams, also has decisions to make. Although Stafford led the Rams to the playoffs last season and has stated his intention to play for at least one more year, it’s uncertain whether he will remain with the Rams.
Now, a new report points to Stafford’s time with the Rams possibly ending sooner than expected.
Report: Los Angeles Rams Allow Matthew Stafford to Explore Trade Opportunities
NFL analyst and expert Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network reported that the Rams have given Stafford’s agents permission to engage in trade discussions with other teams. Pelissero revealed this update on the Rich Eisen Show on Friday, February 21. While this doesn’t guarantee Stafford’s departure from the Rams, it does suggest that Los Angeles may be ready to move on from their Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
Pelissero also noted that Stafford’s contract restructuring last season created a more flexible, year-to-year situation, similar to what Tom Brady did with the New England Patriots later in his career. At the end of last season, Stafford signed a deal with the Rams that included a short-term raise for the 2024 season, but there was no long-term agreement. Stafford’s contract carries a $49.6 million cap hit in 2025, and the Rams could save $27 million by trading him after June 1 or $23 million before June 1.
Matthew Stafford’s Wife Supports the Potential Move
Stafford’s wife, Kelly, is outspoken in the public eye, and she has shared her thoughts on the possibility of Stafford leaving the Rams. On the February 6 episode of her podcast, The Morning After With Kelly Stafford and Hank, she commented on the trade of Cooper Kupp from the Rams, indirectly mentioning her husband.
“I honestly wasn’t planning on discussing this, but…why not,” she said. “My husband wants to win. He’s not trying to put a team in a bad situation. If you’re catching my drift, you’re catching my drift.”
She went on to say, “I have to be the dog in the situation, being like I want the respect for him that he deserves. Yes, I love the city of L.A. With that being said, I love an adventure.”
Kelly also expressed her confusion over the Rams’ decision to trade Cooper Kupp, saying, “I will say the trading away of Cooper, I guess I’m just a little, I’m confused. Because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship, and I think if we go, we win.”
The Rams finished the season with an 11-8 record, making it to the playoffs but losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles, 28-22, in the NFL Divisional Round on January 19.