Rams reportedly have an asking price in mind to trade Matthew Stafford if they are not able to reach a new contract
The Los Angeles Rams wants to keep quarterback Matthew Stafford around in 2025, but the situation isn't that easy. He is slated to make $27 million this season, without any guarantees left in the extension he signed three years ago beyond a $4 million roster bônus to be paid in March, and wants a more […]
The Los Angeles Rams wants to keep quarterback Matthew Stafford around in 2025, but the situation isn't that easy. He is slated to make $27 million this season, without any guarantees left in the extension he signed three years ago beyond a $4 million roster bônus to be paid in March, and wants a more favorable contract.
The Rams could be willing to give him a revised deal, but negotiations haven't come to any type of agreement so far.
According to Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz, several teams have already called the Rams to see if Stafford can become available. And if he is, there's a perception around the league of how much the Rams will ask as a compensation.
"Several teams, per league sources, have called L.A. about Stafford and the belief is a first-round pick would probably be the asking price should the Rams choose to make a deal. Again, the Rams want him back (he also carries a $49.3 million cap hit if released) and there's been nothing to this point that would suggest Stafford doesn't want to play for them, but this is undoubtedly one of the biggest storylines heading into free agency next month. Before then, the Rams and Stafford's agent are planning to meet in Indianapolis to see if they can find common ground."
Even though Stafford's salary is $27 million, his cap hit is slated to be $49.666 million due to previous signing and option bonuses already paid that haven't hit the cap yet.
If the quarterback is traded, the Rams would have $45.333 million in dead money, clearing up only $4.333 million in cap space. The big difference would be next year, when the Rams would save $31 million in cash and $53.666 million in cap money.
For the Rams, it's complicated to give Stafford a new deal, because the quarterback still has two years left on his current contract. He is 37 years old, so it's hard to predict that he will play longer than two seasons at this point. The idea for both sides would probably involve amend the contract with some type of security for Stafford, without putting too much weight on the future of the team's financial situation.
Options
The Rams acquired Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions for a package including two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and quarterback Jared Goff. He's since won a Super Bowl and has been a consistently productive quarterback. In 2024, he had his best passer rating (93.7) since 2021.
However, if the parties don't come to an agreement, the Rams would have a limited quarterback market to replace Stafford. The most obvious solution would be to sign Aaron Rodgers, who will be released from the New York Jets as soon as the new league year begins in March.
The best unrestricted free agents are Sam Darnold, Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and Jacoby Brissett.
Matthew Stafford wants to return, but Rams face layered and complicated decision about their future at quarterback
A new deal will be necessary
