The Los Angeles Rams haven't met expectations through their first five games, going 1-4. Will they give up on the season and ship quarterback Matthew Stafford elsewhere?
In their Wednesday column, ESPN NFL reporters Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano didn't rule out the possibility.
"Definitely. The Rams have looked at Stafford's future as a year-to-year proposition. His reworked contract last offseason reflects that, pushing his pay into the $40M range but lessening his guarantees in 2025, essentially allowing both sides to decide whether they want to stay married at that point," wrote Fowler. "This is a situation to watch closely, because neither team nor player seems to know how or when it will end. Stafford is 36 and has dealt with injuries recently. Does he want to play after this season?"
Stafford suffered a season-ending spine injury in 2022 and dealt with a right thumb issue last season. On Monday, Rams head coach Sean McVay told the media he has back soreness following a 24-19 Week 5 loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Despite Stafford's durability questions, teams would still be interested in the Super Bowl champion if he became available. In 16 seasons with the Rams and Detroit Lions, he has 57,285 passing yards, the 10th most in NFL history.
Fowler mentioned it's unclear which teams would want Stafford, but the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3) have a clear need at QB. On Wednesday, Vegas benched QB Gardner Minshew in favor of Aidan O'Connell, who has a 5-5 starting record in two seasons.
The Rams may not be ready to enter rebuilding mode, and they could still overcome the slow start. Last season, they went 3-6 in their first nine games but won seven of their last eight, making the playoffs.
L.A. could make another run when star wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) return.
If the Rams keep losing, that could increase the chance Stafford gets traded before the deadline on Nov. 5. In free agency, they signed former San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, who could serve as a stop-gap.
Although Stafford is one of its biggest stars, his future with the franchise seems uncertain.
