Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford announced that he will return for the 2025 season, promptly ending speculation that he could retire. Facing tough contract negotiations with the Rams front office over a restructured deal, recent NFL rumors have surfaced about a potential trade.
Stafford, who turned 37 this month, would prefer to return to Los Angeles. However, with Cooper Kupp circulating in NFL trade rumors and a departure imminent, the door has been opened to the team overhauling its offense this offseason.
Related: Matthew Stafford trade rumors gaining steam
- Matthew Stafford stats (ESPN): 3,762 passing yards, 20-8 TD-INT, 65.8% completion rate, 7.3 ypa, 93.7 QB rating
That could include trading Stafford. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, the veteran quarterback carries a $50 million cap hit this year that is recognized as untenable. The Rams front office wants to rework his deal, but a split with the Super Bowl champion is possible if the two sides can’t agree to a reworked contract. If that happens and Stafford is traded, the team will be looking for a veteran quarterback.
The Washington Post‘s NFL insider Jason La Canfora covered Cousins’ situation this offseason, highlighting the Rams as an obvious landing spot if the team moves off Stafford.
Related: NFL free agents 2025, Los Angeles Rams free agents
- Matthew Stafford contract (Spotrac): $49.666 million cap hit in 2025, $53.666 million cap hit in 2026
While Sam Darnold has long been viewed as a potential fallback plan for Los Angeles if Stafford is traded, there will be a much stronger free-agent market for the Pro Bowl quarterback. Even after Darnold’s poor performances in his final two games with the Minnesota Vikings, he’s still expected to command a multi-year contract worth $34-plus million if he hits NFL free agency. He could also be franchise-tagged by Minnesota.
Related: Insider Sheds Light on Matthew Stafford’s Future with Los Angeles Rams
Cousins would be the more cost-effective option once he is released by the Atlanta Falcons. Similar to Russell Wilson’s situation last season, the Falcons would be on the hook for a majority of Cousins’ salary in 2025. As a result of the offsetting money, he would likely take a contract for near the veterans’ minimum, which would allow a team like the Rams to spend less than $2 million on him next season.
Furthermore, per La Canfora, Cousins is reportedly wanting to be paired with a veteran play-caller. McVay checks that box and the two were briefly together with the Washington Commanders (2012-’16) when McVay served as the team’s tight ends coach (2011-’13) and then offensive coordinator (2014-’16). While Cousins might not be as effective of a starter as Stafford, the potential cap savings paired with the likely return in trading Stafford could help the Rams both in 2025 and beyond.
