Former Detroit Lions and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is currently 1-4, sparking speculation about a potential trade to a team he knows well.
With the trade deadline approaching on November 5, Stafford is generating buzz among NFL analysts regarding possible trade scenarios. Since joining the Rams in 2021 and leading them to a Super Bowl victory in his first season, Stafford’s current struggles have fueled discussions about whether Los Angeles might consider trading him.
Minnesota Vikings Could ‘Upgrade’ With Matthew Stafford, NFL Analyst Says
In an October 12 analysis regarding the likelihood of a Stafford trade before the deadline, NFL expert Mike Florio from ProFootballTalk named the Minnesota Vikings as a potential destination. Being part of the NFC North, this move would see Stafford return to familiar territory in Lions country.
“The Rams quarterback may well be in his last season with the team, regardless of whether the Rams can turn around their 1-4 start,” Florio stated. “If the Rams could leverage the remainder of his 2024 contract into draft picks, exploring a fresh start for Stafford makes sense.”
Florio acknowledged the difficulty in finding a suitable new team for Stafford. That’s where the Vikings come into play.
“If the Jets demonstrated how to make (Vikings quarterback) Sam Darnold look less effective, the Vikings should consider an upgrade if they lose to the Lions and Stafford’s Rams,” he explained, noting the connection between Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and Stafford, as they both previously collaborated in L.A. and won a Super Bowl together.
Ultimately, Florio believes that Stafford’s potential trade this season hinges on injury circumstances.
“With four weekends of football remaining before the deadline, one season-ending injury could lead to Stafford finding a new home and the Rams receiving a solid return,” he remarked.
Some Think the Matthew Stafford Trade Idea ‘Would Not Make Much Sense’
Not all analysts share Florio’s perspective. Tony Liebert of Sports Illustrated challenged the notion in an October 12 piece.
“Stafford is 36 years old and still has over two years left on his four-year, $160 million contract,” Liebert noted. “While he won a Super Bowl in 2022, the Vikings’ current setup, with Darnold on a favorable contract and J.J. McCarthy positioned as the potential future franchise quarterback, makes acquiring Stafford illogical.”
However, he conceded that “if an injury were to sideline Darnold, a deal could become somewhat reasonable for Minnesota, given they appear to be among the stronger teams in the NFC.”
Trent Koop from USA Today’s Vikings Wire dismissed Florio’s proposal as an “out-of-this-world take.”
“Sam Darnold has delivered everything the Vikings could wish for, and with star tight end T.J. Hockenson getting healthy, Darnold will gain another key weapon,” he stated.
