The Los Angeles Rams have been in “win-now” mode for years, but as they transition into a new era, the future of Matthew Stafford is up in the air. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback has been the leader of this team since 2021, but with a massive contract, an aging core, and questions about the Rams’ long-term outlook, trading Stafford is a real possibility this offseason.
Why Trading Stafford Makes Sense
At 37 years old, Stafford is still playing at a high level, but the Rams aren’t the same team that won the Super Bowl in 2022. With key veterans aging out and younger talent stepping up, does Stafford still fit into their timeline?
Financially, moving Stafford could save the Rams a significant amount of cap space. He’s set to carry a $45.3 million dead cap hit, which is a tough pill to swallow, but if the Rams truly want to reset their roster, trading Stafford could allow them to free up future financial flexibility while acquiring valuable assets in return.
Additionally, with several quarterback-needy teams looking for a veteran leader, Stafford’s trade value is still strong. If Los Angeles believes it can land a younger QB for the future, they might decide that now is the time to cash in on Stafford’s value.
Who Would Trade for Stafford?
Several teams would love to add a proven veteran quarterback who can lead them to the playoffs immediately:
- New York Giants – If they’re ready to move on from Daniel Jones, Stafford would be an instant upgrade.
- Pittsburgh Steelers – If Mike Tomlin doesn’t trust Kenny Pickett, Stafford could be the missing piece.
- Las Vegas Raiders – If they want stability at QB, Stafford would bring leadership and experience.
Final Thoughts
Matthew Stafford still has plenty of gas left in the tank, but the Rams must decide if keeping him aligns with their long-term vision. If Los Angeles is serious about building for the future, trading Stafford could be the first step in that process.
The Rams’ window isn’t closed, but if they believe they need to reset at quarterback, moving Stafford could be the move that sparks the next phase of their franchise.
