Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford could be in line for a big move if he leaves the Los Angeles Rams, according to an expert.
Matthew Stafford, the former Detroit Lions quarterback, is one of the most talked-about players early in the NFL offseason now that the Los Angeles Rams have given him and his agent permission to speak with other teams in need of a veteran quarterback.
Stafford has had great success with the Rams over the past three years, including leading them to a Super Bowl win in February 2022. However, at 37 years old, he’s getting up there in age for a quarterback, and with star wide receiver Cooper Kupp likely on his way out, Stafford may be considering his options elsewhere.
NFL analyst Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports that four teams are targeting Stafford, and they may be prepared to offer significant contracts to acquire him.
In a February 24 piece for Sports Illustrated, Breer notes that it will take some effort to “put this whole thing back together” for Stafford and the Rams. He adds that the Rams are “working with a quarterback who knows his value to other teams,” which could signal that Stafford is on his way out.
Breer also mentions four teams that are reportedly “in the running” for Stafford: the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders. However, other teams have shown interest as well, Breer says.
Ultimately, the decision will come down to money. Breer points out that the Rams’ willingness to part with Stafford is unclear. With quarterbacks’ salaries rising each season, Breer believes Stafford “should be among the nine quarterbacks now earning over $50 million annually.” Therefore, Stafford is set for a massive payday.
Breer questions whether the Rams would accept a first-round pick for Stafford and whether the teams mentioned would still be willing to make a deal with that hefty price tag.
While many questions remain, one thing is certain: Stafford is in line for a lucrative deal. He signed an extension with the Rams last season, but Breer refers to it as merely a “Band-Aid,” and it’s “unlikely” Stafford will accept a reduced salary in future years.
Regarding the Giants and Stafford, ESPN’s Jordan Raanan sees both advantages and disadvantages to this potential pairing.
“Stafford is one option, though not the quarterback of the future that owner John Mara said the team needed after the season,” Raanan explains. “Stafford is 37, but he could help the team be more competitive right away.”
He added, “This move could ease some pressure on general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll, who are under pressure to deliver results next season.”