The idea of Matthew Stafford playing for a team other than the Los Angeles Rams has flip-flopped from unlikely to extremely plausible several times over the last few weeks. However, the ongoing contract dispute between Stafford and the Rams has significantly increased the probability of a potential departure. With negotiations showing limited progress, the Rams may consider trading Stafford if they fail to reach an agreement. As NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero has reported, trade discussions involving Stafford are now underway.
Multiple Teams Interested In Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams Discussing Trade Compensation
“I am told the Rams also have now engaged with some of those other teams,” Pelissero said. “There are multiple interested. Trade compensation has been discussed. There’s nothing imminent as of this moment, but certainly, the Rams are getting their ducks in a row to be able to make a decision sooner rather than later on what direction this is going to go.”
While the Rams’ willingness to explore trade options for Matthew Stafford signifies a shift in their approach, it does not definitively indicate that they will ultimately trade him. This development suggests a greater openness to moving Stafford compared to simply granting him permission to negotiate with other teams. The Rams’ engagement in discussions regarding trade compensation with interested teams reveals their consideration of acquiring draft capital in exchange for Stafford. However, it’s crucial to note that the Rams are still actively negotiating Stafford’s contract with his agent, and according to Tom Pelissero, their primary objective remains retaining their quarterback.
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“Here’s what has occurred over the last couple of weeks. The Rams gave his agent, Jimmy Sexton, permission to speak with other teams about what those teams would do on a new contract for Matthew Stafford, who’s only due $27 million – well below the median of the quarterback market in 2025. That serves a dual purpose. It allows Stafford and his agent to get a good feel for the marketplace of what he could get elsewhere, but also gives the Rams a foundation for knowing what a new deal should look like if Stafford is to return to L.A.”
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According to Peter Schrager, several teams have expressed interest in Stafford and are willing to outbid LA for the 37-year-old. Furthermore, the final decision about Stafford’s future with the team will likely be made over the next few days, according to Dan Graziano.