Matthew Stafford’s future with the Los Angeles Rams has taken a dramatic turn since trade rumors surfaced, and Shannon Sharpe isn’t convinced everything is as smooth as it seems. The Rams have reportedly given Stafford and his agent permission to explore trade options, signaling that the team is at least open to parting ways with their Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
While some believe this is just a way to gauge his market value, others, like Sharpe, believe there is more to the story.
Shannon Sharpe Weighs In on Matthew Stafford-Rams’ Relationship
During an episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” Sharpe and Stephen A. Smith dove into Stafford’s situation, specifically discussing where he could land if the Rams decide to trade him. Sharpe’s response hinted that there might be a potential disconnect between Stafford and the Rams.
Sharpe didn’t mince his words when describing what he sees as an inevitable split between Stafford and the Rams. Using a personal analogy, he compared their relationship to a college breakup in which both sides were simply tired of each other.
“I think the best situation is in L.A., but it seems to me the Rams are tired of him,” said the former TE. “It’s a situation, Stephen A., like I was in college and my girlfriend and I — we were both sick. I was sick of her, and she was sick of me. It seems like the Rams and Matthew Stafford have run into a very similar situation. He’s sick of them, and they’re sick of him.”
The discussion revolved around Smith’s idea of Stafford joining the Pittsburgh Steelers. Sharpe largely agreed but made a key observation: “I do think Matthew Stafford is better than Russ,” referring to Russell Wilson, who signed with the Steelers ahead of the 2024 season.
According to PFSN’s QB+ metric, Stafford finished the regular season with his second-worst full-season QB+ since at least 2019, as far back as QB+ data dates. Both of those bottom-tier seasons have come in the last three years, raising question marks about whether his career is now trailing off to a point where he might be done.
READ MORE: NFL Insider Reveals 4 Teams Expressing Interest in Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Therefore, the Rams are in a pickle as they face a financial decision regarding Stafford’s $49.67 million cap hit for 2025. The New York Giants, fresh off releasing Daniel Jones, have an interesting connection with Stafford through his brother-in-law Chad Hall, who recently joined their staff. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s search for a steady veteran presence could make them a legitimate suitor.
Stafford has made it clear that he intends to play in 2025, but the pertinent question is whether he is relocating from Los Angeles. However, with Sharpe throwing subtle shade on his Rams relationship, this story could bring up more.