The Los Angeles Rams find themselves navigating a pivotal moment in the career of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, the 2016 NFL MVP and Super Bowl LVI champion. With Stafford’s contract extending through the 2026 season, the quarterback is eyeing a new deal after having restructured his contract last year. This move shifted guaranteed money into the 2024 season, reflecting both his desire for assurance and perhaps a little unease about his current situation. As it stands, Stafford has a substantial $27 million due to him, but only $4 million of that is guaranteed—a structure that might be raising eyebrows in front offices across the league.
Interestingly, Stafford appears to be generating a buzz around potential trades, especially if the Rams decide to move in a different direction. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, speculation suggests that if Los Angeles cannot reach a new agreement with Stafford, a robust trade market could emerge for him. As Fowler notes, “Sources with the team have told me that the Rams do have a strong interest in keeping Matthew Stafford, that they hope to work something out. But his contract, as of now, with almost a $50 million cap hit, and only $27 million in cash due to him, is untenable.” This scenario could open the door for Stafford to don a new jersey next season, a prospect that would excite several teams looking for a seasoned signal-caller.
One team that could significantly benefit from Stafford’s experience is the Tennessee Titans, who have been grappling with their quarterback situation since not renewing Ryan Tannehill’s contract following the 2024 season. After selecting Will Levis in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft, hopes were high that he might step into the starting role. However, the Titans’ subsequent struggles culminating in a disappointing 3-14 record show that the young quarterback experiment has yet to yield results.
Heading into his sophomore season, Titans head coach Brian Callahan faces the critical task of revitalizing his team’s offense. A move for Stafford could provide a bridge—one that allows time for a future franchise quarterback, possibly identified in the 2025 NFL Draft, to develop under the watchful eye of an experienced leader. The Titans are poised to look at bolstering their offensive line through the draft and free agency, and adding a player like Stafford could be the crucial piece needed to turn their fortunes around heading into 2025.
If the Rams’ and Stafford’s paths do diverge, Tennessee just might be where the next chapter of his illustrious career unfolds, with the weight of a franchise’s hopes pinned on his capable shoulders. Trading for Stafford would not only solidify the quarterback position but also inject necessary experience and leadership into an offense yearning for direction. As we move deeper into the offseason, all eyes will be on how this situation develops, as it could reshape the trajectories of both franchises.
