A recent report suggests that former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford may be taking steps toward leaving the Los Angeles Rams.
As the Detroit Lions focus on rebuilding their coaching staff and roster this offseason, their former quarterback, Matthew Stafford, now with the Los Angeles Rams, is also at a crossroads. Stafford helped lead the Rams to the playoffs last season, and while he has expressed a desire to continue playing for at least one more year, his future with the Rams is uncertain.
According to a new report, Stafford’s time in Los Angeles could be nearing an end.
NFL analyst and personality Tom Pelissero from the NFL Network reported that the Rams have informed Stafford’s representatives that they are free to discuss trade options with other teams. Pelissero shared this update during his appearance on the Rich Eisen Show on February 21. Although this doesn’t guarantee Stafford’s departure, it strongly suggests that the Rams may be open to trading their Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
Pelissero also pointed out that Stafford’s contract rework last season created a year-to-year situation, similar to what Tom Brady did with the New England Patriots late in his career.
After last season, Stafford signed a deal for a short-term increase for 2024, but there was no long-term agreement. With a $49.6 million cap hit for 2025, the Rams could save $27 million by trading Stafford after June 1 or $23 million before June 1.
Kelly Stafford, his wife, has made her thoughts on the situation known in public. On the February 6 episode of her podcast, “The Morning After With Kelly Stafford and Hank,” she made some revealing comments about the possibility of Stafford leaving the Rams. She addressed the trade of Cooper Kupp and hinted at her husband’s uncertain future.
“I wasn’t planning on bringing this up, but why not?” she said. “My husband wants to win. He’s not trying to put a team in a bad spot. If you’re picking up on what I’m saying, you’re picking up on it.”
She continued, “I have to be the strong one in this, wanting him to get the respect he deserves. Yes, I love L.A., but I also love a new adventure.”
Kelly also discussed the Rams’ decision to trade Cooper, expressing confusion. “I’m just a little confused about the Cooper trade,” she said. “We were one play away from the NFC Championship, and I believe if we made it, we would’ve won.”
The Rams ended the season with an 11-8 record and made it to the playoffs, where they lost 28-22 to the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Eagles, in the NFL Divisional Round on January 19.