The Los Angeles Rams are set to meet with quarterback Matthew Stafford to discuss his future with the team. This crucial meeting comes after the Rams permitted Stafford to explore his market value with other NFL teams.
Is Rams’ Meeting with Stafford To Say Goodbye?
In a post on X, The Athletic‘s Diana Russini reported, “The Rams are set to meet with Matthew Stafford at their facility in person today regarding his future, per sources. The Raiders and Giants have discussed a two-year contract for Stafford that includes $90-100M guaranteed. A decision is expected soon.”
Russini’s colleague, former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, quote tweeted with, “This feels like a goodbye meeting and that they are trading him. No way Rams get to $50M/Yr…..I feel like it’s more about the years & not money.”
This feels like a goodbye meeting & that they are trading him.
No way Rams get to $50M/Yr…..I feel like it’s more about the years & not money. https://t.co/BpamhN9f0l
— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) February 28, 2025
With Rams head coach Sean McVay’s comments on the Fitz and Whit podcast, it seems Los Angeles can’t meet Stafford’s salary demands and a trade is imminent. On ESPN’s “NFL Live” former executive Louis Riddick believes letting Stafford go would be a huge mistake.
Will The Raiders or Giants Trade and Extend Stafford?
Both the Raiders and Giants have reportedly discussed potential trade scenarios with the Rams and contract terms with Stafford’s representatives.
The proposed deal in play would be a two-year contract extension, including $90-100 million in guaranteed money. It’s quite the offer for a 37-year-old quarterback whose performance has declined since winning the Super Bowl in the 2021-2022 season.
Las Vegas appears to be in a much better position to make the deal. The Raiders have the second most space under the salary cap with more than $96 million available.
The team has a couple trade candidates scheduled to be free agents in 2026 in Gardner Minshew and Jakobi Meyers. Minshew is a quality backup who can win games as a starter and Jakobi Meyers would help fill the void left by Cooper Kupp. Ironically, former Raiders starter Jimmy Garoppolo is rumored to take the reins as starter with Los Angeles.
The Raiders also have more draft capital in 2025 with a total of 10 picks. Vegas could use one of its two third-rounders and/or three six-rounders to round out the package for Stafford.
The Raiders offense ranked 29th in PFSN’s 2024 rankings, receiving a D grade. PFSN’s Sterling Xie cited the unit’s high turnover rate, Davante Adams’ departure, and inconsistent quarterback play.
On Colin Cowherd’s FS1 show, former Giant Will Blackmon predicted the Raiders would be the ideal landing spot, stating, “I outright thought it makes too much sense with Pete Carroll. You truly need someone who is going to come in there and completely reset the culture, and there really isn’t anyone [available] who does that better than him [Stafford].”
Las Vegas’ offensive line placed 22nd on PFSN’s offensive line rankings, earning a D+ grade. PFSN’s Ben Rolfe noted, “Their pressure rate… ranked 20th… struggled against the blitz, with a 46.6% pressure rate (28th)….The running backs the offensive line had to work with didn’t help… the unit struggled to open up holes for the ground game to take advantage of.”
Speculation ramped up after conflicting reports from competing NFL insiders about the meeting between Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and Stafford at a ski resort in Montana.
Meanwhile, the Giants have more than $49 million in available cap space, 13th most in the NFL, and only eight draft picks in 2025 (two fourth-rounds and two seventh-rounders). In 2024, the Giants offense received an F grade, ranking 31st of 32 teams. Their offensive line placed 29th in PFSN’s rankings, earning a D- grade.
After their MetLife Stadium co-habitants, the New York Jets, traded for Aaron Rodgers, Giants fans witnessed the move fail in spectacular fashion. That debacle has a chunk of the fanbase reluctant to pull the trigger on a trade for Stafford.
If the Giants were to land Stafford, some insiders believe the Rams could turn to Rodgers. Oddly enough, if the Giants don’t land Stafford, signing Rodgers to a veteran minimum deal is under consideration.
Leaving the playoff-ready Rams to chase money on a sinking ship like the Giants seems like a poor choice. While the Raiders present a better opportunity, they still have their fair share of holes and improvements to make.
Regardless, the trade would significantly alter the landscape of the NFL and the trajectory of all three teams.