We’ve seen some interesting developments in the past couple of months concerning the future of Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles. Today’s newest update comes from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network who tells us that the team has given Stafford’s agent permission to speak with other teams about his value. Rapoport makes it clear that this is not a trade request, just an external appraisal. 
Following the end of the Rams’ 2024 campaign, Stafford began to contemplate his future in the league, potentially weighing the possibility of retirement before ultimately making the decision to play in 2025, after some pressure for clarity from the team. As the team was waiting for that clarity, though, the Rams made it known that they were considering trading the veteran quarterback. This rumor led to interest from several teams who began to contact Los Angeles with interest in Stafford.
With today’s update, we see that the Rams have been hearing these offers and are hoping to use them to assist in their contract negotiations. Our previous most recent update hinted that the 37-year-old was seeking a raise on his next deal. This new tactic from the Rams could be seen as an attempt to let the rest of the league do their work for them. This would be similar to what the Ravens attempted last year, when they placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Lamar Jackson, and most teams expected them to match any offer sheet after letting other teams determine Jackson’s worth.
This is a less official version of this. This is closer to the MLB’s arbitration process, in which the team and player can’t come to an agreement on a player’s value, so they use a third-party arbiter to make the determination for them. As the Rams and Stafford struggle to find level ground in contract discussions, the hope is that outside teams will participate and give their two cents on what Stafford’s next contract should look like.
More likely, teams, if they don’t really believe they have a chance to land Stafford in a trade, could try to inflate the cost of a Stafford deal in order to handicap the Rams as much as possible. This possibility is underlined by a report from Rapoport’s colleague Mike Garafolo, who tells us that these other teams don’t believe this means the Rams and Stafford are headed for a split and that trade compensation will remain a hurdle to them actually acquiring the passer.
Another hurdle to acquiring Stafford via trade is the $45.3MM in dead money trading Stafford’s contract would cost the Rams, according to Jason Fitzgerald of OvertheCap.com. Still, Fitzgerald believes that the Rams would be willing to deal Stafford for a return they deem worthy, but if that adequate trade offer doesn’t come, they would work with the veteran on a modified contract.
How many teams can realistically convince themselves they’re a quarterback away from competing this year? Because with Stafford’s age, injuries, and retirement rumblings, that’s the only kind of team that should consider it. Pittsburgh, maybe? Hard to think of another otherwise playoff-ready team that doesn’t have a quarterback plan in place for next year.
Pittsburgh wouldn’t give up a 1-3 rounder for him at his age though, so doubtful.
Although a r1 for Stafford is an overpay, I find it completely appropriate to do whatever it takes to land a franchise QB like Stafford for the next 2 seasons
The Steelers OL allowed sacks at a rate of 9.11% (ranking 29th in the league) last season. Matty would just retire before getting behind a line that porous.
Don’t forget the Steelers had the 2 worst passers in the league for time holding onto the ball… that played a huge part of it. But yes, it was a young line but they were solidifying by the end of the season.
I basically agree with Oooof. All the teams that can provide solid QB protection already have a QB like Josh Allen or Lamar… so they really wouldn’t have any interest in Stafford.
Minnesota?
As a 49ers fan, he’s easily worth $70M+ a year on an extension.
As a Rams fan I agree Purdy deserves 80 million
Are you crazy..lol. As a Seahawks fan its gotta be at least 90 million a year.
$90M is what Geno’s worth.
these comments are worth 100 million easily
Can MIN afford him?
Only if Sam Darnold goes the other way in a tag-and-trade.
Steelers, colts, jetplanes are teams, to me, that either are or think they’re a QB away. Steelers make the most sense as he’s likely looking at his last season, if he doesn’t hang it up.
What is Stafford smoking? His play is middling these days, he’s often injured and he’s under contract for $49,666,666 in 2024 and $53,666,668 in 2025.
There’s no more football in him than that. He’s free to retire. The Rams don’t have to trade Stafford at all, as they’d take a huge dead money hit. Who the heck wants to pay draft picks and huge money to an almost washed up semi-retiree?
The Rams expect the rest of the league to laugh in Stafford’s face. Either Stafford plays out his contract (it costs the Rams too much to cut him) and then finds a new team or he retires.
Who would the Rams replace him with? Jimmy G? Drama queen Rodgers? Honestly, he’s better than middling. Pacua and Krupp missed a lot of time last season. With weapons and decent O-line play they can be competetive in that division. Draft and develop a young guy in the interim.
If you’re the Rams, Stafford has value. He knows the playbook, he knows his teammates well, there’s no adjustment season for a thirty-seven year old quarterback. Any other team who looks at Stafford has to plan on an adjustment season, making Stafford a 38 year old quarterback when he will really be ready to play for you.
Plus for the Rams, they are already on the hook for that guaranteed money. Effectively the Rams, above the guaranteed money, are paying nothing or Stafford’s services in 2025 and $31 million for his services in 2026. At those prices, the Rams have nothing to lose by letting Stafford play out his contract. I see zero reason for the Rams to give Stafford an extension or a raise. Time to discuss a new contract would be at the end of the 2026 season if Stafford makes it to the end of 2026 1. health 2. a starter. QB’s go downhill fast after age 36.
Does this mean they really believe in Jimmy G? He looked awful in Vegas but his last game with the Rams he looked pretty good. Mcvay is a great coach he really is and I’m a niners fan but he’s a dam good coach like his father was for the niners general management. I’d take McVay over Shanahan all day long!
Go to Steelers or jets.
Giants because his bro in law is a coach for Giants now. They are an option.
At least one pundit in NYC sportsball media is already creaming in his pants about Stafford.
I like Stafford but we’re still paying Jones. Can’t pay Stafford too. He’d be a ,good bridge but at what cost? If it was Stafford for a 4th rounder and the rams eat some money I’m in, otherwise I don’t know if it makes sense for the Giants
I think GM’s should jack up the price on him purposely because the Rams have no intention on trading him. So play games with the Rams because that’s what they’re doing. He’s nowhere close to the $47 mil a year he’s getting next season and the Rams know it.
My favorite hypothetical is the framework of Stafford for Tua.
Rams getting younger at QB and the dolphins go all in for a two year window.
Notice how Miami wasn’t competitive when Tua was out with concussions?
Remember big mouth Kelly comes with the deal…..
I wonder which teams’ backup QB is about to get lucky.
I’m not sure where exactly you’re coming from with that, but I haven’t seen anything she’s said about the Rams that hasn’t been on point. I wouldn’t call that having a big mouth.