QB Matt Stafford, LAR (1 Viewer)

[King of the Jungle]

You know Rodgers would love to go there if he leaves.

Other then if the SF job was open I can't imagine a place he'd desire more and he might desire LA more. I have no idea how mutual the feeling would be, I've no doubt the Rams would have interest just not sure he'd be target 1A.

I will admit this is part of why I hope the Rams move on from Stafford, even it dinged Puka who I have some investment towards. Not specific to Rodgers but I've said here that I think Stafford leaving would set off a significant domino effect chain reaction in the QB market. So just for the fun of it, I've kind of been pulling for Stafford and the Rams to exit to set the reaction off. Make for an exciting off-season and anticipation for next year.

I would not be rooting for that if I had Puka, I mean maybe they end w/ Rodgers (which think would still be a downgrade) but if not have no idea what their plan would be.

If they get rid of Stafford/Kupp, the plan will be to target Puka 15 times a game. Really odd scenario considering this team is in pretty good shape to roll it back. Niners are trending down, Seattle/Arizona do not seem ready to get over the hump quite yet. Rams were 20 or so yards from playing in the NFC championship game. I completely understand not wanting to sign him to a deal more than a year or two. I would think Stafford (who has enough money to start wiping his rear with it) would be more concerned about a chance at hoisting the trophy again, but to each their own. Weak QB class, so have to assume they would be content with Rodgers/Cousins/Darnold if Stafford is moved.

 

[elguapo07]

Report: Rams give Matthew Stafford permission to speak to other teams.

Report: Rams give Matthew Stafford permission to speak to other teams

Weird vibe between team and player could be getting weirder.

www.nbcsports.com

I know Stafford wants a new deal, but this is a big red flag IMO. The Rams are a contender and are the only team to even give the Eagles a game on their run to the title.

I don't think they give up on that if they don't think he is washed or is about to be.

I think it means they have someone specific (Darnold?) in mind to replace him.

Think LAR would be a nice landing spot for Darnold as he seems to be very scheme and coaching dependent.

 

[Wingnut]

Pelissero reported on GMFB that the Rams have engaged with multiple interested teams where trade compensation was discussed, but nothing imminent.

Stafford has a roster bonus that kicks in March 14th, so a decision would be likely before then on which direction the Rams will go.

 

[Wingnut]

The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders have shown interest in Matthew Stafford if the Rams decide to move him.

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1894084757807403439?t=_fv-Jr8FHnZb5xAXywEmSw&s=19

Rams QB Matthew Stafford is looking to be paid over $50 MILLION per year on a new contract.

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1894042078830645356?t=KMICjeRYRHeBeTgmaCgOKg&s=19

 

[JohnnyU]

The New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders have shown interest in Matthew Stafford if the Rams decide to move him.

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1894084757807403439?t=_fv-Jr8FHnZb5xAXywEmSw&s=19

Rams QB Matthew Stafford is looking to be paid over $50 MILLION per year on a new contract.

https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1894042078830645356?t=KMICjeRYRHeBeTgmaCgOKg&s=19

I’m sure that pretty wife of his is high maintenance.

 

[sm8680]

Matthew Stafford will be back with the Rams. Matthew has 4 young children. Rams almost beat the Eagles. Sean is a competitor and will not end up with a lesser QB running his offense. Also, Matthew has it really good in LA. His house has top shelf video system that rivals the team facilities. That allows him to take his work home. Plus, he takes the offseason pretty serious and takes good care of himself.

 

[menobrown]

I'd put the odds in the 75-80$% range he's gone.

 

[travdogg]

I'd put the odds in the 75-80$% range he's gone.

I'd agree, and I'd also add that I think the Rams will be just fine without him. The team acquiring him...we'll see. Way too many people are still treating Stafford like its 2021 still.

 

[Mitchie]

I'd go the other way and say 75=80% back with the Rams, unless he wants out for some reason and just asks for too much money

 

[Ray_T]

The Rams have said the asking price for Stafford is a first round pick.

the real problem is... when paying someone what the market is, usually the transaction price is not a first. its usually something less than that.

Stafford also is 37 years old (I think.... possibly 38) when the season begins. who is gonna pay for that for an older QB who historically has been injured a lot.

I know... stranger things have happened, but I'd say the odds of him moving on are not as good as you might think. someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

 

[Terpman22]

Rams are smart for this

 

[travdogg]

I'd go the other way and say 75=80% back with the Rams, unless he wants out for some reason and just asks for too much money

The "unless" is very much what seems to be happening. The bolded for sure, and the wanting out (or his wife wanting out) being heavily speculated.

The Rams have said the asking price for Stafford is a first round pick.

the real problem is... when paying someone what the market is, usually the transaction price is not a first. its usually something less than that.

Stafford also is 37 years old (I think.... possibly 38) when the season begins. who is gonna pay for that for an older QB who historically has been injured a lot.

I know... stranger things have happened, but I'd say the odds of him moving on are not as good as you might think. someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

A 1st can become a 2nd+ really quick. It does depend on how Stafford is valued, and it just takes one team. Personally, I'd rather have Cousins and likely save 45+ million and draft picks, but that's me.

 

[menobrown]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

 

[Mitchie]

I'd go the other way and say 75=80% back with the Rams, unless he wants out for some reason and just asks for too much money

The "unless" is very much what seems to be happening. The bolded for sure, and the wanting out (or his wife wanting out) being heavily speculated.

The Rams have said the asking price for Stafford is a first round pick.

the real problem is... when paying someone what the market is, usually the transaction price is not a first. its usually something less than that.

Stafford also is 37 years old (I think.... possibly 38) when the season begins. who is gonna pay for that for an older QB who historically has been injured a lot.

I know... stranger things have happened, but I'd say the odds of him moving on are not as good as you might think. someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

A 1st can become a 2nd+ really quick. It does depend on how Stafford is valued, and it just takes one team. Personally, I'd rather have Cousins and likely save 45+ million and draft picks, but that's me.

I'm not sure it's happening, seems like some negotiating posturing on both sides, is another team really going to pay him more than the Rams AND give up draft capital? Would have to be a team that thinks he's the missing piece for a Super Bowl, think talk of Giants or Raiders making that trade is non-sensical. Anything is possible maybe a team comes up nowhere but not really seeing it.

 

[Ray_T]

Rams are smart for this

they are only smart if they find a buyer at the price they are asking.

 

[Ray_T]

I'd go the other way and say 75=80% back with the Rams, unless he wants out for some reason and just asks for too much money

The "unless" is very much what seems to be happening. The bolded for sure, and the wanting out (or his wife wanting out) being heavily speculated.

The Rams have said the asking price for Stafford is a first round pick.

the real problem is... when paying someone what the market is, usually the transaction price is not a first. its usually something less than that.

Stafford also is 37 years old (I think.... possibly 38) when the season begins. who is gonna pay for that for an older QB who historically has been injured a lot.

I know... stranger things have happened, but I'd say the odds of him moving on are not as good as you might think. someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

A 1st can become a 2nd+ really quick. It does depend on how Stafford is valued, and it just takes one team. Personally, I'd rather have Cousins and likely save 45+ million and draft picks, but that's me.

I am with you there. why assume all that risk when you dont have to. I'm not sure how much time is left on Staffords contract, but at this age anything longer than 2 years is likely a significant liability

 

[menobrown]

Would have to be a team that thinks he's the missing piece for a Super Bowl, think talk of Giants or Raiders making that trade is non-sensical

You may think that way but I don’t think majority of teams operate in SB or bust prism. Many of them will be content with putting a competitive and/or relevant team on the field and many of the people who make these decisions will be influenced by what helps them keep their jobs.

 

[Ray_T]

I'd go the other way and say 75=80% back with the Rams, unless he wants out for some reason and just asks for too much money

The "unless" is very much what seems to be happening. The bolded for sure, and the wanting out (or his wife wanting out) being heavily speculated.

The Rams have said the asking price for Stafford is a first round pick.

the real problem is... when paying someone what the market is, usually the transaction price is not a first. its usually something less than that.

Stafford also is 37 years old (I think.... possibly 38) when the season begins. who is gonna pay for that for an older QB who historically has been injured a lot.

I know... stranger things have happened, but I'd say the odds of him moving on are not as good as you might think. someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

A 1st can become a 2nd+ really quick. It does depend on how Stafford is valued, and it just takes one team. Personally, I'd rather have Cousins and likely save 45+ million and draft picks, but that's me.

I'm not sure it's happening, seems like some negotiating posturing on both sides, is another team really going to pay him more than the Rams AND give up draft capital? Would have to be a team that thinks he's the missing piece for a Super Bowl, think talk of Giants or Raiders making that trade is non-sensical. Anything is possible maybe a team comes up nowhere but not really seeing it.

100%.

Atlanta maybe? but I also dont think they are all that close to winning a superbowl either. And given the amount they are forking out on Cousins contract, I dont know that staffords contract can fit.

 

[IHEARTFF]

Giants and Raiders are both desperate for competent qb play, so maybe they’re involved here. The other teams that could even be remotely involved would be Steelers, Browns, Titans. Jets lol.

 

[JohnnyU]

Giants and Raiders are both desperate for competent qb play, so maybe they’re involved here. The other teams that could even be remotely involved would be Steelers, Browns, Titans. Jets lol.

What about the Colts?

 

[menobrown]

Giants and Raiders are both desperate for competent qb play, so maybe they’re involved here. The other teams that could even be remotely involved would be Steelers, Browns, Titans. Jets lol.

What about the Colts?

I thought about them for Stafford but they want Richardson to compete, someone to push him. If they got Stafford it would be more throwing In the towel which I don’t think they are ready to do.

 

[Ray_T]

Giants and Raiders are both desperate for competent qb play, so maybe they’re involved here. The other teams that could even be remotely involved would be Steelers, Browns, Titans. Jets lol.

What about the Colts?

This actually makes more sense because the Colts are actually a playoff team now. so an upgrade at QB likely gets them one or two more wins and a better chance to have a good post season run. All the other teams (with the possible exception of Pittsburgh) likely shouldnt be making a move like this.

 

[IHEARTFF]

I typed Colts and then erased it because like memo said I don’t think they want to give up on AR

 

[JohnnyU]

I typed Colts and then erased it because like memo said I don’t think they want to give up on AR

You don’t have to give up on AR to sign stafford for a couple of years. It would probably do him good. Stafford isn’t like the other retreads they signed in Rivers, Wentz, and Ryan. At least I don’t think he is.

 

[Da Guru]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

Stafford had made 360 million in his career. No NFL player has ever made more money. Stafford came in the last year before the rookie cap so he got a huge deal. Then more and more. So right now it should not be about the $$$$.

 

[menobrown]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

Stafford had made 360 million in his career. No NFL player has ever made more money. Stafford came in the last year before the rookie cap so he got a huge deal. Then more and more. So right now it should not be about the $$$$.

I’ve never known anyone who has made a lot of money to stop wanting to make more plus money is a sign of respect.

 

[Ray_T]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

Stafford had made 360 million in his career. No NFL player has ever made more money. Stafford came in the last year before the rookie cap so he got a huge deal. Then more and more. So right now it should not be about the $$$$.

its only not about the money if he thinks he can get a ring.

otherwise, its likely about the money

 

[King of the Jungle]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

Stafford had made 360 million in his career. No NFL player has ever made more money. Stafford came in the last year before the rookie cap so he got a huge deal. Then more and more. So right now it should not be about the $$$$.

I’ve never known anyone who has made a lot of money to stop wanting to make more plus money is a sign of respect.

Yes, the respect would get picking himself off the ground after every play in a Giants uniform would be incredible. In all seriousness, I think adding another ring would garner more respect at this point. It doesn’t mean he would have to play for free, there has to be more to this between him and the Rams.

 

[menobrown]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

Stafford had made 360 million in his career. No NFL player has ever made more money. Stafford came in the last year before the rookie cap so he got a huge deal. Then more and more. So right now it should not be about the $$$$.

I’ve never known anyone who has made a lot of money to stop wanting to make more plus money is a sign of respect.

Yes, the respect would get picking himself off the ground after every play in a Giants uniform would be incredible. In all seriousness, I think adding another ring would garner more respect at this point. It doesn’t mean he would have to play for free, there has to be more to this between him and the Rams.

I'm talking about being respected enough by his employers he won a SB for to get paid a fair wage with a little security. He's been underpaid for a few years now and Rams approach lately which has been to take things year to year with him going as far to reportedly dangle him in trades all the way back in 2023. They made him haggle last off-season just to pick up another $4-5M for the year.

If they can get close to what other teams are offering and give him at least two years guaranteed they'll likely smooth things over but they got to at least get close and give him more then a year guaranteed.

 

[travdogg]

I typed Colts and then erased it because like memo said I don’t think they want to give up on AR

You don’t have to give up on AR to sign stafford for a couple of years. It would probably do him good. Stafford isn’t like the other retreads they signed in Rivers, Wentz, and Ryan. At least I don’t think he is.

I think Rivers was a better QB than Stafford is now.

I do agree that you don't have to give up on Richardson just because you add a vet to start over him. That being said, Richardson hasn't shown any reason to think he's gonna be any good, and I think Indy would be nuts (and Steichen absolutely should be on the hot seat) to go with Richardson without having to beat out another guy. Its a little distressing that they were clearly better with Flacco and Minshew (nobody's idea of starters in 2025) the last 2 years.

If not Stafford, Cousins, Fields, Wilson, maybe even Rodgers (though that's another can of worms) all make some sense, as competition at the very least.

 

[rockaction]

Giants and Raiders are both desperate for competent qb play, so maybe they’re involved here. The other teams that could even be remotely involved would be Steelers, Browns, Titans. Jets lol.

What about the Colts?

This actually makes more sense because the Colts are actually a playoff team now. so an upgrade at QB likely gets them one or two more wins and a better chance to have a good post season run. All the other teams (with the possible exception of Pittsburgh) likely shouldnt be making a move like this.

If the Jets run it back with their first and second round pick going to the offensive and defensive trenches, they’re a borderline playoff team. Not less so than Pittsburgh or Indy.

 

[Da Guru]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

Stafford had made 360 million in his career. No NFL player has ever made more money. Stafford came in the last year before the rookie cap so he got a huge deal. Then more and more. So right now it should not be about the $$$$.

I’ve never known anyone who has made a lot of money to stop wanting to make more plus money is a sign of respect.

Yes, the respect would get picking himself off the ground after every play in a Giants uniform would be incredible. In all seriousness, I think adding another ring would garner more respect at this point. It doesn’t mean he would have to play for free, there has to be more to this between him and the Rams.

I'm talking about being respected enough by his employers he won a SB for to get paid a fair wage with a little security. He's been underpaid for a few years now and Rams approach lately which has been to take things year to year with him going as far to reportedly dangle him in trades all the way back in 2023. They made him haggle last off-season just to pick up another $4-5M for the year.

If they can get close to what other teams are offering and give him at least two years guaranteed they'll likely smooth things over but they got to at least get close and give him more then a year guaranteed.

"Fair Wage and security"? That applies more to minimum wage workers than NFL QBs. Heck most backup QBs are set for life after the NFL now.


Stafford has not been underpaid. When he signed his new 4 year extension in 2021 for 4-160 million he was one of the highest paid QBs. Of course every year the next man up gets more but that is how the NFL works.

That being said I would be shocked if Stafford goes to the Giants to play against Eagles and Washington for the last couple years of his career. Going to be their division for a few years to come.

 

[JohnnyU]

I typed Colts and then erased it because like memo said I don’t think they want to give up on AR

You don’t have to give up on AR to sign stafford for a couple of years. It would probably do him good. Stafford isn’t like the other retreads they signed in Rivers, Wentz, and Ryan. At least I don’t think he is.

I think Rivers was a better QB than Stafford is now.

I do agree that you don't have to give up on Richardson just because you add a vet to start over him. That being said, Richardson hasn't shown any reason to think he's gonna be any good, and I think Indy would be nuts (and Steichen absolutely should be on the hot seat) to go with Richardson without having to beat out another guy. Its a little distressing that they were clearly better with Flacco and Minshew (nobody's idea of starters in 2025) the last 2 years.

If not Stafford, Cousins, Fields, Wilson, maybe even Rodgers (though that's another can of worms) all make some sense, as competition at the very least.

All of those players you mentioned, with the exception of Fields, would start over AR, so that isn't really competition. It is flat out replacing him. I always felt he shouldn't have been thrown into the fire right out of college given how little he's been playing the position.

 

[Terpman22]

Rams are smart for this

they are only smart if they find a buyer at the price they are asking.

I disagree its a smart move either way. They let him shop around, and if they can't trade him, at least they know the money they have to pay him, without overpaying. Its like the Lamar Jackson situation a few years ago - except the cost to acquire isn't as much - just the league wasn't going to negotiate Lamar's deal for the Ravens.

 

[Da Guru]

Rams are smart for this

they are only smart if they find a buyer at the price they are asking.

I disagree its a smart move either way. They let him shop around, and if they can't trade him, at least they know the money they have to pay him, without overpaying. Its like the Lamar Jackson situation a few years ago - except the cost to acquire isn't as much - just the league wasn't going to negotiate Lamar's deal for the Ravens.

With old QBs like Stafford it better to get rid of them one year too early that one year too late. Unless of course Stafford would agree to a one year deal with the Rams.

 

[Terpman22]

Rams are smart for this

they are only smart if they find a buyer at the price they are asking.

I disagree its a smart move either way. They let him shop around, and if they can't trade him, at least they know the money they have to pay him, without overpaying. Its like the Lamar Jackson situation a few years ago - except the cost to acquire isn't as much - just the league wasn't going to negotiate Lamar's deal for the Ravens.

With old QBs like Stafford it better to get rid of them one year too early that one year too late. Unless of course Stafford would agree to a one year deal with the Rams.

You are not wrong and for the most part I mean it depends on the QB, their age etc. Guys are playing longer and longer due to the fact the rules have changed so much but. I'm sure looking back, Kraft and BB would have liked to just keep Brady there so maybe they get all of his 7 rings haha.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Who do the Rams think they are going to start at QB in 2025?
Can anyone answer that question with much certainty?

Why would a team move on from a SB winning QB they traded another Super Bowl QB and former No 1 overall pick in Goff plus 1-2 more 1st round picks to get in the first place?
Why would a team do this unless they had a rock solid option B in the hopper? Does anyone see that person on the roster currently?

These are just basic questions, not trying to stump the band

 

[King of the Jungle]

Who do the Rams think they are going to start at QB in 2025?
Can anyone answer that question with much certainty?

Why would a team move on from a SB winning QB they traded another Super Bowl QB and former No 1 overall pick in Goff plus 1-2 more 1st round picks to get in the first place?
Why would a team do this unless they had a rock solid option B in the hopper? Does anyone see that person on the roster currently?

These are just basic questions, not trying to stump the band

Darnold, Cousins (maybe Wilson, Fields) have to be in their thought process if they move on from Stafford. I doubt they are thinking Stetson Bennett would be the answer. Odd scenario at surface level, have to think there is more to this than what we can see.

 

[Da Guru]

Who do the Rams think they are going to start at QB in 2025?
Can anyone answer that question with much certainty?

Why would a team move on from a SB winning QB they traded another Super Bowl QB and former No 1 overall pick in Goff plus 1-2 more 1st round picks to get in the first place?
Why would a team do this unless they had a rock solid option B in the hopper? Does anyone see that person on the roster currently?

These are just basic questions, not trying to stump the band

They are probably sick of Kelly Stafford running her mouth. Hard to believe that Matt has not told her to stop commenting on football stuff, that is his job.

 

[Ray_T]

Who do the Rams think they are going to start at QB in 2025?
Can anyone answer that question with much certainty?

Why would a team move on from a SB winning QB they traded another Super Bowl QB and former No 1 overall pick in Goff plus 1-2 more 1st round picks to get in the first place?
Why would a team do this unless they had a rock solid option B in the hopper? Does anyone see that person on the roster currently?

These are just basic questions, not trying to stump the band

McVay is all about what have you done for me lately.

while he is a great coach, the players on his team get cut fast when he sees their useful life is getting short.

honestly I'm actually surprised STafford is still playing. he had that one year where he was hurt (2022 I think) and has had a bad back since. I figured hed hang em up but hes still here, though admittedly not lighting it up. 3700 yards passing. to put it in perspective Rodgers numbers in New York were actually comparable on a per game basis and people roasted him. so people shouldnt be THAT surprised Stafford is on the chopping block.

in reality, I think if healthy Stafford is a pretty good QB but hes not healthy all that often. to me, that's his issue.

 

[Ray_T]

Rams are smart for this

they are only smart if they find a buyer at the price they are asking.

I disagree its a smart move either way. They let him shop around, and if they can't trade him, at least they know the money they have to pay him, without overpaying. Its like the Lamar Jackson situation a few years ago - except the cost to acquire isn't as much - just the league wasn't going to negotiate Lamar's deal for the Ravens.

With old QBs like Stafford it better to get rid of them one year too early that one year too late. Unless of course Stafford would agree to a one year deal with the Rams.

from what I can see, there are 2 years remaining on his current deal. not offensive. Not sure what the buyout would be at the end of this year. My guess is he does not play out the full contract but its possible he does. I know there is no benefit to a buyout this season. I seem to recall the dead cap hit would be large.

 

[kface]

Rams are smart for this

they are only smart if they find a buyer at the price they are asking.

I disagree its a smart move either way. They let him shop around, and if they can't trade him, at least they know the money they have to pay him, without overpaying. Its like the Lamar Jackson situation a few years ago - except the cost to acquire isn't as much - just the league wasn't going to negotiate Lamar's deal for the Ravens.

With old QBs like Stafford it better to get rid of them one year too early that one year too late. Unless of course Stafford would agree to a one year deal with the Rams.

After going all in the Rams have done a remarkable job of getting rid of the old and bringing in the young. This is another good example

 

[Terpman22]

Who do the Rams think they are going to start at QB in 2025?
Can anyone answer that question with much certainty?

Why would a team move on from a SB winning QB they traded another Super Bowl QB and former No 1 overall pick in Goff plus 1-2 more 1st round picks to get in the first place?
Why would a team do this unless they had a rock solid option B in the hopper? Does anyone see that person on the roster currently?

These are just basic questions, not trying to stump the band

If you believe the McVay truthers - he is basically Kyle Shanahan - he can get production out of any QB, its just a matter of what floor they start with, and McVay most likely will get them to whatever their ceiling is. And there is some truth to this.

The flip side of the coin is "Why would a young team on the verge of contention lock down *this future* right now with an oft-injured QB that wants a deal assuredly locking him up through age 40 season*

I like, in a vacuum, what the Rams are doing here. You eventually have to break up the band eventually..

As an Eagles fan, I'd love nothing more than for Stafford to stay.

 

[IHEARTFF]

The sheer number of startable qbs in free agency or the draft certainly reduces the leverage Stafford has. But he’s probably the strongest option for 1/2 years among them.

 

[travdogg]

Who do the Rams think they are going to start at QB in 2025?
Can anyone answer that question with much certainty?

Why would a team move on from a SB winning QB they traded another Super Bowl QB and former No 1 overall pick in Goff plus 1-2 more 1st round picks to get in the first place?
Why would a team do this unless they had a rock solid option B in the hopper? Does anyone see that person on the roster currently?

These are just basic questions, not trying to stump the band

If you believe the McVay truthers - he is basically Kyle Shanahan - he can get production out of any QB, its just a matter of what floor they start with, and McVay most likely will get them to whatever their ceiling is. And there is some truth to this.

The flip side of the coin is "Why would a young team on the verge of contention lock down *this future* right now with an oft-injured QB that wants a deal assuredly locking him up through age 40 season*

I like, in a vacuum, what the Rams are doing here. You eventually have to break up the band eventually..

As an Eagles fan, I'd love nothing more than for Stafford to stay.

This is where I'm at too. Losing Stafford doesn't make the Rams a bad team. Giving him the contract he wants, might in the long run. I think too many people are obsessing about how close the Rams were to beating the Eagles (which was honestly pretty fluky in of itself) and forgetting this was a 10-7 team last year (you could say 10-6 as they sat in week 18) that is extremely young.

The Rams aren't in some limited window right now. This is a team that is likely a contender as long as McVay is there. They are smart to think long term. 2025 isn't the end all be all, McVay has as much job security as anyone in the NFL. Stafford will likely only decline going forward, and we shouldn't be expecting him (or anyone) to age like Brady did.

 

[Da Guru]

Rams are smart for this

they are only smart if they find a buyer at the price they are asking.

I disagree its a smart move either way. They let him shop around, and if they can't trade him, at least they know the money they have to pay him, without overpaying. Its like the Lamar Jackson situation a few years ago - except the cost to acquire isn't as much - just the league wasn't going to negotiate Lamar's deal for the Ravens.

With old QBs like Stafford it better to get rid of them one year too early that one year too late. Unless of course Stafford would agree to a one year deal with the Rams.

from what I can see, there are 2 years remaining on his current deal. not offensive. Not sure what the buyout would be at the end of this year. My guess is he does not play out the full contract but its possible he does. I know there is no benefit to a buyout this season. I seem to recall the dead cap hit would be large.

If Stafford has 2 year left on his deal what is the issue? Let him play it out or trade him.

 

[-OZ-]

Cleveland Browns,

How the flip would that work?

Atlanta maybe?

Maybe if the rams wanted to give multiple firsts and stafford for penix. But no.

 

[MAC_32]

Cleveland Browns,

How the flip would that work?

There is cap space to make this work if they really want to

 

[menobrown]

someone would need to be willing to take on the contract first.

His current contract is not relevant since it will be redone and we already have reports that Stafford knows other teams are willing to pay more then the Rams have offered.

So that part of the equation does not seem like it’s going to be an issue.

Working trade comp with team he wants to go to won’t be an easy hurdle but it will get done if Rams don’t up their offer and Stafford wants to go

Stafford had made 360 million in his career. No NFL player has ever made more money. Stafford came in the last year before the rookie cap so he got a huge deal. Then more and more. So right now it should not be about the $$$$.

I’ve never known anyone who has made a lot of money to stop wanting to make more plus money is a sign of respect.

Yes, the respect would get picking himself off the ground after every play in a Giants uniform would be incredible. In all seriousness, I think adding another ring would garner more respect at this point. It doesn’t mean he would have to play for free, there has to be more to this between him and the Rams.

I'm talking about being respected enough by his employers he won a SB for to get paid a fair wage with a little security. He's been underpaid for a few years now and Rams approach lately which has been to take things year to year with him going as far to reportedly dangle him in trades all the way back in 2023. They made him haggle last off-season just to pick up another $4-5M for the year.

If they can get close to what other teams are offering and give him at least two years guaranteed they'll likely smooth things over but they got to at least get close and give him more then a year guaranteed.

"Fair Wage and security"? That applies more to minimum wage workers than NFL QBs. Heck most backup QBs are set for life after the NFL now.


Stafford has not been underpaid. When he signed his new 4 year extension in 2021 for 4-160 million he was one of the highest paid QBs. Of course every year the next man up gets more but that is how the NFL works.

That being said I would be shocked if Stafford goes to the Giants to play against Eagles and Washington for the last couple years of his career. Going to be their division for a few years to come.

No fair wage and security does not only apply to minimum wage people.

Security is more then financial. It's about not having to uproot your family when a team wants to cut or trade you. It's about getting a contract that ties you to a team for multiple years.

On the topic of fair wage what I believe to be the best beat writer in the NFL, Jordan Rodrigue, had this to say a few days ago " Rams understand there is a certain level of financial respectability owed to a quarterback of his skill level and status" . That's just another way of saying "fair wage".


Stafford got extended the off-season after winning the SB. Had incredible leverage, all time kind of leverage considering winning the SB and the large amount they gave up for in the trade. That off-season 3 other Qb's signed for more APY. Rodgers, Watson and Derek Carr. Not sure how next man up accounts for that.

I think Joel Corry understands what he's talking about, though you can disagree: https://x.com/corryjoel/status/1894089263547125798

Safe to say you think he's been paid enough in his career. You are certainly entitled to all of your opinions but I'm trying to focus less on people's opinions and the reality of the situation and the reality is his contract is the issue right now. So again you are very welcome to think he's been paid enough in his career and does not need to care about money, the reality is he does and the reality is what I'm focused on and not opinions that he's been paid enough and should just be happy with what he's got. No snark meant either, it's just not relevant to assessing where things stand with Stafford and the Rams.

 

[Mitchie]

The sheer number of startable qbs in free agency or the draft certainly reduces the leverage Stafford has. But he’s probably the strongest option for 1/2 years among them.

Huh? I would say the exact opposite.