Matthew Stafford is making waves in the NFL as he seeks a renegotiation of his contract with the Los Angeles Rams. Having signed a hefty extension in 2022, which still has $58 million left, Stafford is now looking for a substantial raise—reportedly at least $50 million annually. The situation has reached a standstill, with the Rams recently granting Stafford and his agent permission to explore opportunities with other teams.
As the NFL rumor mill churns, Stafford’s name has been linked to several franchises, including the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders. The buzz intensified recently when reports surfaced claiming that Stafford’s camp met with the Giants at the NFL Combine. This kind of interaction usually signals serious interest, ramping up speculation about a potential union.
However, opinions on the idea of Stafford landing in New York have been mixed. Former NFL offensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Damien Woody didn’t hold back when discussing the Giants’ current state on ESPN’s “Get Up.” He expressed clear reservations about Stafford joining a team that he views as a “disaster.”
Woody’s critique reflects broader concerns about the Giants’ direction. Coming off a tough season where they tied for the worst record in the league at 3-14, the team’s roster appears to lack the necessary pieces to compete immediately. When analyzing stats, it’s clear the Giants have some ground to cover; last season, their offensive line rated 23rd in the league according to Pro Football Focus, which is hardly a compelling environment for a seasoned quarterback like Stafford.
Last season, Stafford had a respectable outing, completing 65.8% of his passes for 3,762 yards, with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. His leadership brought the Rams to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, where they faced a tough opponent in the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. As Stafford approaches his 37th year, the prospect of joining the Giants raises questions about whether winning is a realistic expectation.
Woody further elaborated on the potential pitfalls of such a move, highlighting the uncertainty surrounding the Giants’ front office and coaching staff. He cautioned, “If things don’t roll your way, that whole regime could be out… I don’t want any part of that instability if I’m Matt Stafford.” With Stafford at such a crucial juncture in his career, it’s clear he needs to weigh his options carefully while the NFL landscape continues to evolve.
