Matthew Stafford’s Future With the Rams: Trade Rumors, Big Decisions, and a Price Tag to Match
The Matthew Stafford trade saga just won’t go away. Ever since the former Detroit Lions quarterback landed in Los Angeles via a blockbuster deal in 2021, he’s been the centerpiece of the Rams’ offense—and, at least for now, that doesn’t seem likely to change. But as trade rumors swirl and financial decisions loom, Stafford’s future in L.A. is still one of the biggest NFL storylines heading into free agency.
So, what’s going on? Well, the Rams have reportedly put star wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the trade block, which naturally sparked speculation that Stafford could be next. However, according to Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz, the Rams aren’t actively shopping him—unless, of course, a team is willing to pay a hefty price. That price? A first-round pick. And with other veteran QBs likely available for a lower cost, the betting odds suggest Stafford will be staying put in 2025.
Sean McVay’s Stance: Keep Stafford in L.A.
The Rams may be retooling their roster, but head coach Sean McVay reportedly still wants Stafford to lead the charge. Remember, McVay was the mastermind behind the 2021 trade that sent Jared Goff to Detroit and brought Stafford to Los Angeles, leading to a Super Bowl victory just one season later. Now, despite ongoing trade buzz, multiple reports indicate McVay and the Rams remain committed to keeping the 37-year-old quarterback.
Of course, that hasn’t stopped teams from calling. Several franchises have inquired about Stafford’s availability, but the Rams’ asking price—a first-round pick—might be too steep for many teams. Plus, Stafford still carries a massive cap hit, making a trade even more complicated.
Adding to the intrigue, Stafford’s agent is set to meet with the Rams in Indianapolis before free agency begins. The goal? Finding common ground on the quarterback’s future in L.A.
The Financial Dilemma: Will the Rams Pay Up?
Here’s where things get tricky. Stafford wants a new contract, one that comes with future guarantees and a salary more in line with the league’s top 10 quarterbacks. Right now, he’s set to make under $30 million next season, which is a bargain compared to other elite QBs. But if the Rams decide to trade him, they’d be hit with a massive dead cap charge—$45.3 million in 2025 and another $23 million in 2026.
According to The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue, the Rams aren’t exactly eager to hand out another big payday to an aging quarterback. With a roster that’s shifted toward younger talent and a long-term QB solution still needed, locking into another expensive deal for Stafford might not be their preferred move. But at the same time, their roster is already built to win now, so keeping an experienced, Super Bowl-winning quarterback under center might just be the smartest play.
It’s a classic case of balancing short-term success with long-term sustainability. On one hand, the Rams need to plan for the future and ensure they can afford to keep their young stars. On the other, they’ve rebuilt faster than expected and might be ready for another deep playoff run. And if that’s the case, Stafford could be exactly what they need.
So, will the Rams pay up? Will another team make an offer they can’t refuse? Or will Stafford simply run it back in L.A. for another season? Either way, expect this storyline to dominate headlines leading up to free agency.
Major Update on Trade Rumors Swirling Around Ex-Lions QB Matthew Stafford
