Matthew Stafford’s next team if Rams decide to move on.
Oct 24, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) leaves the field after the game against the Minnesota Vikings at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Rams just wrapped up a strong season, finishing 10-7 and winning the NFC West. They were one play away from hosting the NFC Championship and found a defensive gem in Jared Verse. But now, the front office faces major decisions.
Cooper Kupp might be on his way out, and Matthew Stafford’s future is in question. He has two years left on his contract, but only $4 million of his $49.6 million cap hit is guaranteed. By 2026, none of his money is locked in.
The Rams can either guarantee Stafford more money or put him on the trade block. General manager Les Snead likely isn’t thrilled about moving a quarterback who helped win a Super Bowl three years ago. But if contract talks go sideways, Stafford could be one of the biggest names on the market.
Here are five potential teams that could make a move for the former No. 1 overall pick, who just turned 37.
Pittsburgh Steelers could use a proven leader
Pittsburgh’s quarterback situation is messy. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields are both in the mix, but neither is a long-term answer yet. The Steelers haven’t won a playoff game since 2016 and have lost six straight postseason matchups, giving up at least 28 points in each. That’s the longest streak of its kind in NFL history.
Drafting a quarterback could be an option, but moving up for Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders is risky. Stafford, if available, might be the best bet for a team that needs stability under center.
New York Giants offer a logical fit
The Giants have the No. 3 overall pick, but Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen may not want to gamble their jobs on a rookie quarterback. If they aren’t sold on Ward or Sanders, Stafford becomes an intriguing alternative.
There’s also a personal angle. ESPN reported that the Giants hired Chad Hall as an assistant quarterbacks coach. Hall happens to be Stafford’s brother-in-law. If the Rams let Stafford pick his next destination, the Giants might jump to the front of the line.
Las Vegas Raiders could use a veteran presence
The Raiders are unpredictable. Pete Carroll’s hiring signals a shift, but whether they trade up for a quarterback remains unclear. Stability might be the priority rather than a high-risk move in the draft.
Stafford still has enough left to improve an offense immediately. Pairing him with fellow Georgia product Brock Bowers could be an interesting storyline.
Minnesota Vikings might look for an experienced arm
A return to the NFC North? The Vikings’ quarterback situation is in flux. Many expect Sam Darnold to be back in 2025, but if another team offers him more, Minnesota could be left scrambling. Would they throw J.J. McCarthy straight into the lineup? Maybe. But Stafford is a safer bet.
He already has history with Kevin O’Connell, who was part of the Rams’ 2022 Super Bowl-winning staff. Throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson wouldn’t be a bad way to close out a career.
Tennessee Titans remain a wild card
Nashville isn’t the most appealing spot after a disastrous season, but the connection is there. Titans head coach Brian Callahan was Stafford’s quarterbacks coach in Detroit from 2016-17.
The Titans have the No. 1 overall pick, but that doesn’t guarantee they draft Sanders or Ward. Reports suggest they’re open to trading down. Tennessee will bring in a quarterback before the draft. Whether that’s someone like Zach Wilson or Aaron Rodgers remains to be seen.
Or he could just stay in L.A.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported that Stafford is expected to return to the Rams. He reportedly trusts ownership and believes in the roster. Just weeks ago, L.A. was inches away from an NFC Championship appearance.
None of that changes the fact that the Rams need to address Stafford’s contract. If they don’t, quarterback drama could dominate their offseason.
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Image: Imagn Images