Indianapolis – The ongoing saga between Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and potential trade suitors, the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, continues to intensify, according to sources familiar with the situation. Both the Giants and Raiders have presented Stafford with contract offers should a trade materialize, with discussions centering around lucrative two-year deals ranging from $90 million to $100 million in guaranteed money.
Stafford is scheduled to meet with the Rams in Los Angeles on Friday to explore the possibility of reaching a resolution to the situation. Despite the escalating talks with other teams, the Rams remain open to negotiating a deal to keep Stafford in L.A., indicating ongoing communication between the two parties.
The Giants, who currently lack a quarterback on their roster, have expressed their interest in Stafford as their top target. They are expected to pursue a veteran QB regardless of their draft plans in April. Alongside the Giants, the Raiders have emerged as a formidable contender in the race for Stafford, boasting significant cap space and the resources to compete with the Giants’ offers.
During a chance encounter at a ski resort in Montana, Stafford and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady engaged in a conversation, though the details of their discussion remain undisclosed. The Raiders’ coaching staff has shown a preference for acquiring a proven veteran quarterback over taking a risk on a rookie, given the perceived lack of depth in the 2025 draft class.
Should the Raiders fail to secure Stafford, they are unlikely to make a substantial financial commitment to another veteran QB in the offseason. With uncertainties surrounding their current roster of quarterbacks, including potential releases, Las Vegas faces the challenge of solidifying the position for the upcoming season.
While the Rams have expressed a willingness to negotiate with Stafford on a year-to-year basis, discussions around salary and future contract terms remain ongoing. With significant financial implications at stake, both parties are navigating intricate negotiations amid mounting speculation surrounding Stafford’s future with the team.
As the situation continues to unfold, the Rams’ contingency plans include considering quarterbacks like Jimmy Garoppolo and Aaron Rodgers as potential replacements for Stafford in the event of a departure. Garoppolo, who is familiar with Rams head coach Sean McVay’s system, emerges as a viable option to lead the team into the 2025 season, showcasing the team’s strategic approach to addressing the quarterback position.
In the midst of swirling rumors and negotiations, the Rams management has deferred media inquiries regarding the situation, opting to address the matter at a later date. The uncertainty surrounding Stafford’s future with the team underscores the intricacies of NFL offseason dynamics, with teams strategizing to secure key roster positions ahead of the upcoming season.