While it appears that Cooper Kupp will be playing elsewhere next season, the Los Angeles Rams must also decide on the future of Matthew Stafford.
After taking some time to go over his options, the 37-year-old confirmed that he wants to keep playing. However, Stafford doesn’t have any guaranteed money left on his Rams contract, so a new deal is necessary.
To this point in the offseason, contract negotiations between Stafford and the Rams have not gone very far. Both sides seem to be motivated to get something done, but there is always a chance that talks could break down and lead to a trade.
Rams head coach Sean McVay doesn’t want that to happen and is pushing for Stafford to return to the organization, via Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports:
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.
It is easy to see why the Rams are hoping Stafford returns next season. If the veteran quarterback is traded, it would ensure a $45.3 million dead cap hit in 2025 and nearly $23 million the following season.
From a roster perspective, the Rams don’t have a long-term quarterback who is ready to take the reins from Stafford. Stetson Bennett has not taken a snap in the NFL and Jimmy Garoppolo — their backup quarterback from last season — is set to reach free agency.
The Rams also won’t have their first selection in the 2025 NFL Draft until No. 26, which makes it difficult to land one of the best quarterbacks. The upcoming draft class for signal-callers isn’t very strong to begin with.
If Stafford and the Rams go their separate ways, there are rumblings that Aaron Rodgers would be interested in potentially joining L.A. That would give the team another bridge quarterback, but he is coming off the worst season of his career with the New York Jets.
Rams want first-round draft pick in potential Matthew Stafford trade
If Matthew Stafford decides to pursue a trade, the Rams reportedly will be looking to get back a first-round draft pick from interested teams.
The New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders and Jets are all teams that could use someone like Stafford to turn their fortunes around, and each has the draft capital to make a blockbuster deal.
It is worth noting that Giants standout wide receiver Malik Nabers floated the idea of Staffford and Kupp potentially reuniting in New York.
