Stafford’s Future in LA: Trade Scenarios and the Rams’ Quarterback Dilemma

The Los Angeles Rams’ 2025 season ended in the divisional round against the Philadelphia Eagles, leaving fans wondering about the team’s future, especially at the quarterback position. Matthew Stafford, who will be 37 years old, is entering the final year of his four-year, $160 million contract. While he has expressed his desire to return, the Rams are exploring their options, leading to speculation about potential trade scenarios and the team’s overall quarterback strategy.

Stafford’s Contract and Potential Restructure

Stafford’s current contract has a significant impact on the Rams’ salary cap. In 2025, he is due close to $50 million, but only a small portion of that is guaranteed. This situation has led to discussions about a potential contract restructure. According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, Stafford is unlikely to return to Los Angeles under his current contract. The Rams have granted Stafford’s agent permission to speak with other teams to gauge his value, indicating they are open to a revised deal or a trade.

Trade Destinations for Stafford

Several teams have expressed interest in acquiring Matthew Stafford. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported that the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders are among those who have “thrown their hats in the ring.” These teams are in need of a stable quarterback and view Stafford as a potential solution.

Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders have been searching for a quarterback since trading away Derek Carr in 2023. There were reports of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady trying to recruit Stafford. However, the Raiders acquired Geno Smith from the Seahawks for a 2025 third-round pick.
New York Giants: The Giants moved on from Daniel Jones during the 2024 season and are looking for a franchise quarterback. They hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, making them an intriguing trade partner.
Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers have shuffled through multiple starting quarterbacks in recent years and could see Stafford as a veteran presence to stabilize the position.
Indianapolis Colts: Colts general manager Chris Ballard wants Anthony Richardson to have real competition for QB1 in 2025.

The Rams’ Perspective: Versatility and the Future

Rams head coach Sean McVay is focused on improving the team’s offense for the 2025 season. He aims to create a more versatile offense that can better handle injuries and execution issues. McVay has drawn inspiration from Liam Coen, the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach, particularly how Coen adapted his offense to injuries and personnel changes.

McVay stated, “I think the biggest thing is there would be a little bit more versatility. The easy answer is to complain about the injuries that we had that threw off the continuity, and while that might be true, you can’t allow that to inhibit us the way that it did. That’s nobody’s responsibility but my own.”

This emphasis on versatility suggests the Rams may be looking for a quarterback who fits this mold, whether it’s Stafford or someone else.

Potential Replacements for Stafford

If the Rams decide to move on from Stafford, either through a trade or if they can’t agree on a contract, they will need to find a replacement. Several options could be available:

Sam Darnold: There were rumors that Darnold could be an option for the Rams if Stafford left.
Kirk Cousins: NFL insider Jason La Canfora suggested the Rams could be a landing spot for Cousins if they trade Stafford.
Drafting a Quarterback: The Rams could use their draft picks to select a young quarterback to develop.

The Salary Cap and Roster Construction

The Rams’ salary cap situation will play a significant role in their quarterback decisions. The 2025 NFL salary cap is set at $279.2 million per team, a record high. Spotrac.com estimates the Rams have $44.5 million in cap space. How they manage Stafford’s contract and potential dead cap money will influence their ability to acquire other talent and build a competitive roster.

The Rams’ Quarterback Dilemma

The Rams face a complex decision regarding their quarterback situation. Matthew Stafford has proven he can lead the team to success, including a Super Bowl victory in 2021. However, his age, contract demands, and the team’s need for versatility create uncertainty.

The Rams must weigh the benefits of keeping Stafford against the potential advantages of trading him and finding a new quarterback who better fits their long-term vision. This decision will shape the team’s trajectory for the next several years and determine their ability to compete in the NFC.