One of the biggest stories of the NFL offseason right now is what is going on between Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. Stafford and the Rams are amid a standoff that could lead to the two continuing their relationship together or a split. A new report is that Stafford wants more than $50 million and that several teams are interested.
Stafford Wants more than $50 Million
NFL Network Good Morning Football Host Peter Schrager revealed some new details in the Stafford LA Rams saga. On the GMFB show, Schrager revealed that there is still a money issue with the Rams and that he is seeking more than $50 million on a new deal with the Rams.
“Those guys have a strong relationship,” Schrager said of Stafford and the Rams. “This is a money issue. Matthew Stafford wants to be paid what he thinks he is worth. He wants to be paid more than $50 million. The Rams have given Stafford and his agent, Jimmy Sexton, the freedom to go seek out what would be some teams of interest who would be willing to pay him.
There are teams who are willing to pay him, but the question is, would Stafford want to go to those teams, and what would they give up? The number starts at $50 million, and the Rams are currently paying him less than that. He’s still one of the top nine quarterbacks in the league.”
There are currently nine quarterbacks being paid at least $50 million in the league. The Rams’ hesitation about giving him that kind of money comes from his age and durability concerns. Stafford often plays hurt, and at 37 years old, he would be one of the oldest starting quarterbacks in the league this season. Schrager also hinted at the leverage the Rams believe they have in this situation. They know that if he is traded, other quarterbacks will be willing to take discounts to play for Sean McVay and the Rams.
“The issue here for Stafford is that if they do trade him, there are quarterbacks out there who would love to play for the Rams,” Schrager said. “Aaron Rodgers lives in Malibu in the offseason you don’t think he’d want to mix it up for a discounted price and play for Sean McVay? Of course, he would. Who has the leverage here and how will it all play out. It’s a really tough, awkward situation because there is a real friendship, and they have a Super Bowl championship together.”
Several Teams Interested In Trading for Stafford and Paying Him
Several teams have been reported to be interested in trading for Stafford. NFL Insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated has reported that teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders would all have interest in trading for Stafford.
Though there have been plenty of reports out there about the interest from other teams in him, people close to Stafford have said that he wants to remain with the Rams. It was also reported last week that McVay was “adamant” about ensuring he will return to the Rams. The NFL combine is this week, and talks will heat up between Stafford’s representatives and the Rams. Teams will likley have trade offers on the table for the Rams to go over.
In four seasons with the Rams, Stafford has won a Super Bowl, made a Pro Bowl, and is 5-2 in playoff games. They fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round of the playoffs in a game where the Rams had a chance to win on their final possession. If he returns to the Rams, they will be among the top competitors in the NFC, and he is likely their best option for returning to another Super Bowl.
