Since Matthew Stafford’s arrival in Los Angeles in 2021, the Rams have been a significant force in the NFC.
No matter what happens going forward, the blockbuster trade to acquire Stafford from Detroit has already paid off thanks to the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory.
(On a side note, has there ever been a more even trade where both teams were thrilled with their return???)
Having said that, with some recent offseason moves signaling a shift in direction, the Rams are making changes to their roster, including the shock move to potentially trade star wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
This decision has raised eyebrows around the NFL, including from Stafford’s wife, Kelly, who voiced her concerns publicly on her podcast.
“My husband, like, wants to win. He’s not trying to put a team in a bad situation,” she said. “I will say, the trading away of Cooper? … I’m confused, because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship.
“I have to be the dog in this situation … I want the respect for him that he deserves.”
Kupp has become one of the NFL’s most complete receivers, making his potential trade a surprising and controversial move.
For a win-now veteran like Stafford, who is nearing the end of his career, the Rams’ decision to shake things up could signal a change in the team’s trajectory, leaving Stafford’s future in Los Angeles uncertain.
While Kelly Stafford’s comments reflect frustration over the direction of the team, her public criticisms have not been well-received by the Rams’ front office.
“The Rams like Matt Stafford, but they’re tiring of the constant quarterback talk, his wife saying things publicly,” Colin Cowherd revealed on The Herd last week.
“They’re not real happy with Cooper Kupp going public with something they tried to keep quiet … They’re kinda over Cooper Kupp, and with that, a little bit Matt Stafford. They like him, but they don’t want to restructure his deal and give him a new contract.”
Despite the off-field drama, there has been no official word from the Rams about Stafford’s future.
However, with trade rumors swirling, it’s clear that the team’s current situation has cast doubt on the quarterback’s long-term standing in Los Angeles.
One team potentially eyeing Stafford is the New York Giants.
At 37, Stafford is no longer viewed as a long-term option, but he could serve as the perfect bridge quarterback while the Giants look for their next franchise QB.
The Rams may not land a high first-round pick for Stafford, but there could still be value in a trade package with a team like the Giants.
As of now, the Rams have not made a definitive move to trade Stafford, but with the drama surrounding Kupp and Kelly’s public comments, things could change quickly.
There have been rumors about the Rams potentially being interested in Aaron Rodgers if they were to move on from Stafford. (Quite the swap that would be, huh?)
While it looks like Kupp is most likely a goner, perhaps the Rams and Stafford will be able to work things out and continue their partnership.
Or perhaps both Stafford and Kupp will be dealt in a package deal to a team like the Giants, Steelers, Vikings or Raiders…
What are your thoughts on the situation and the report that Kelly may be the root cause for LA wanting to end the Stafford era???
