The Los Angeles Rams have dropped their first two games of the regular season, including a season opener loss to the Detroit Lions.
With this rough start, fans and media have begun discussing possible moves for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, formerly of the Lions, that could benefit both the Rams and NFL teams in need of an experienced QB.
One intriguing trade idea, proposed by former NFL quarterback Chase Daniel, involves a three-team deal between the Rams, Carolina Panthers, and Miami Dolphins.
Trade Proposal Sends Stafford to Miami
During a segment on Fox Sports 1 on September 18, Daniel suggested a three-way trade in which the Carolina Panthers would send Bryce Young to the Rams, who would then trade Matthew Stafford to the Miami Dolphins. In return, the Panthers would receive a second-round pick from Miami and a third-round pick from the Rams. Confused yet?
Tim Weaver of Count on News 2 highlighted the proposal in a September 18 article, calling it a “blockbuster” and “interesting” idea.
“On some levels, it does make sense for all three teams involved,” Weaver wrote. “The Dolphins just placed Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve, so he’ll be out for at least four games.”
For the Rams, he added, “Trading Stafford now gives them a chance to rebuild as they face challenges like the Seattle Seahawks.”
Additional Stafford Trade Rumors
On September 17, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky appeared on The Pat McAfee Show to discuss Bryce Young. His trade idea had the Rams acquiring Young, with Orlovsky stating he “would encourage” the Panthers to trade him.
“If I were the Los Angeles Rams, I’d probably make a call,” Orlovsky said. “Matthew is older, and the team has been decimated by injuries. The Rams’ outlook on the season has likely changed.”
Blaine Grisak of the Turf Show Times dismissed this scenario in a September 18 feature, saying, “While the Rams’ quarterback succession plan will be a topic of conversation this season, a trade for Bryce Young seems unlikely.”
Another Possible Destination: Las Vegas
Another trade idea floated by Mina Kimes on NFL Live on September 17 had Stafford heading to the Las Vegas Raiders.
“If the Rams decided to move on from Stafford, what teams would be interested?” Kimes asked. “I’ll throw one out: the Raiders. They’ve shown they have a strong defense, and Davante Adams is still one of the league’s top receivers. Just a thought.”
Cameron Ellis of Just Blog Baby supported the idea in a September 18 article, writing, “It’s a reasonable suggestion. Sorry, Gardner Minshew, but you’re no Matt Stafford, and that’s just how things go.”
Stafford’s Future Up in the Air
With multiple trade ideas circulating, it’s clear that Matthew Stafford is a hot topic of discussion as the Rams face questions about their future and the quarterback’s role in it.
