Rams GM Discusses $160 Million QB Trade Amid Uncertainty Over Matthew Stafford’s Future
The two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford might leave the Los Angeles Rams the same way he arrived: through a trade.
Rams general manager Les Snead initially planned to trade Jared Goff and begin a rebuilding phase after the 2020 season. However, Stafford’s trade request from the Detroit Lions captured the Rams’ interest, ultimately shifting them back into competitive mode.
Now, with Stafford’s future uncertain, the Rams’ plans are also in flux.
“I think Matthew probably disturbed our rejuvenation period. Because I think we did play in the [Wild Card] Round that year. And then maybe a week later, it leaked that, ‘Hey, he would like to be traded,’ and the Lions were thinking of trading him. So we had to get back to work a little bit quicker than we wanted to,” Snead told reporters on January 24.
“On trades … that’s one thing too. It’ll take someone calling or us reaching out if we want to do – that’s the things that’ll be determined down the road here.”
Snead stopped short of guaranteeing that Stafford would remain on the Rams’ roster in 2025 if he doesn’t retire.
In the 2024 season, Stafford completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and 8 interceptions. During his four-year stint with the Rams, he has amassed 14,700 yards, 95 touchdowns, and 44 interceptions on 65.7% completions, with a 34-23 regular-season record and a 5-2 playoff record that includes a Super Bowl victory.
Stafford ranks fifth in completions, sixth in yards, and eighth in passing touchdowns and wins in Rams franchise history.
However, the Rams must weigh significant financial factors in any decision regarding Stafford’s future.
Rams HC Sean McVay Sets Deadline for Matthew Stafford’s Decision
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Matthew Stafford following their NFC Divisional Playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but expressed the need for a timely decision regarding the quarterback’s plans for 2025.
The Rams found themselves in a holding pattern during the last offseason while awaiting Stafford’s choice to return or retire.
As much as McVay values Stafford, he is keen to avoid a repeat of the uncertainty.
“I don’t think that’s good for anybody,” McVay said on January 23. “A lot sooner than later … is an ideal scenario. And I think the appropriate thing is, let’s let the emotions settle. Matthew and I have obviously talked. He knows how important he is to me and to our football [team]. I thought it was a great dialogue.”
Snead highlighted the complexity of handling different players and their situations on the roster.
Stafford remains under contract through 2026 on a four-year, $160 million deal, including a $4 million bonus due in March. The Rams can avoid paying that bonus if Stafford is no longer on the roster.
According to Over The Cap, the Rams are projected to have $46.6 million in cap space for 2025. Releasing Stafford in the offseason with a post-June 1 designation would save the team $23 million but leave $26.6 million in dead cap. A post-June 1 trade would save $27 million with $22.6 million in dead cap charges, making it the more favorable option if Stafford does not retire or the Rams choose to move on.
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Matthew Stafford and Wife Send Mixed Signals on QB’s Future
Matthew Stafford has not offered much clarity about his plans but noted he still believes he has “good football” left after the playoff loss to the Eagles.
“As far as my future goes, it’s 30 minutes after the last game. So I’ll take some time to think about it. But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball,” Stafford said on January 19. “I love competing, I love being in those moments, I’m sure as hell not afraid of them. And [I] competed my a** off, and it didn’t go the way I wanted to today. Next time I’m out there, we’ll line it up, let’s do it again.”
Kelly Stafford, his wife, revealed that Stafford played the final five regular-season games and postseason with four cracked ribs, an injury he sustained in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers. Speaking on her podcast “Timeout” on January 22, she commended his toughness.
In an Instagram post on January 20, she hinted that Stafford’s time in Los Angeles—or the NFL—could be nearing its end.
“Aren’t enough words to express how proud I am. I joke about us being old and tired, but honestly, I could never get tired of watching you out there or watching our girls cheer for their daddy,” Kelly Stafford wrote. “I’m wondering if this is the end or not… guess we will find out.”
