It was reported earlier this week that Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford “wants to remain in Los Angeles and play for” head coach Sean McVay amid rumors claiming the Rams could trade Stafford since he has no guaranteed money left on his contract.
There is yet another sign that Stafford won’t be going anywhere this offseason.
“While uncertainty remains surrounding Matthew Stafford’s future with the team, league sources are adamant that coach Sean McVay and the organization want to keep the 37-year-old Super Bowl champion,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports wrote for a piece published Wednesday. “Several teams, per league sources, have called L.A. about Stafford and the belief is a first-round pick would probably be the asking price should the Rams choose to make a deal.”
Such an asking price for a signal-caller of Stafford’s age suggests the Rams have no legitimate interest in trading him before the 2025 draft gets underway.
Schultz’s update is hardly shocking, regardless of the trade rumors that made for some interesting social-media chatter during one of the quieter times of the football year. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported during an appearance on the “Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard” podcast last week that the Rams’ “first priority” was re-signing Stafford and that Stafford “would like” to remain with the club for at least another season.
As much as Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets may have been interested in joining the Rams, it’s understandable that McVay and Co. would view Stafford as Los Angeles’ best option for 2025, considering the other veteran signal-callers who will be available. According to Pro Football Reference, Stafford ended this past regular season and ranked 12th among qualified players with a 64.7 adjusted QBR and 12th with an average of 235.1 passing yards per game. He tossed 20 touchdown passes and eight interceptions over 16 contests.
“The Rams want him back (he also carries a $49.3M cap hit if released) and there’s been nothing to this point that would suggest Stafford doesn’t want to play for them,” Schultz added. “…Before then, the Rams and Stafford’s agent are planning to meet in Indianapolis to see if they can find common ground.”
While it’s possible negotiations between Stafford’s camp and the Rams could fall apart, Schultz insisted that a reunion is the “most likely outcome for” this particular saga. That means teams previously linked with Stafford, such as the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, will need to look elsewhere.
