The Las Vegas Raiders, along with their influential minority owner Tom Brady, may have their sights set on a Super Bowl-winning quarterback to lead the team in 2025.
According to a new report from The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Brady has personally reached out to Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, exploring the possibility of bringing the veteran signal-caller to Sin City.
Stafford’s Uncertain Future with the Rams
Stafford, 37, remains under contract with the Los Angeles Rams for two more seasons but has been given permission by the team to explore trade options. Despite leading the Rams to a 10-7 record and a playoff berth in 2024, Stafford is reportedly seeking a contract extension with more guaranteed money, which could be a sticking point in his future with the organization.
While the Raiders are rumored to be one of the teams interested in acquiring him, they aren’t the only potential suitors. Other quarterback-needy teams, such as the New York Jets, New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Indianapolis Colts, have been linked to Stafford in trade speculation.
Raiders Exploring Multiple Quarterback Options
Stafford isn’t the Raiders’ only potential target as they search for a new leader under center. The team, led by majority owner Mark Davis, new head coach Pete Carroll, and general manager John Spytek, is weighing multiple options, including:
- Free agency, where quarterbacks like Sam Darnold (Vikings), Russell Wilson (Steelers), and Justin Fields (Steelers) could be available.
- The NFL Draft, where projected first-round picks Cam Ward (Miami) and Shedeur Sanders (Colorado) are intriguing options, along with longer-term projects like Quinn Ewers (Texas) and Kyle McCord (Syracuse).
Even if Stafford becomes their top target, multiple hurdles stand in the way of a deal. The Raiders must first convince Stafford that Las Vegas is the right fit, rework his contract to provide more guaranteed money, and then negotiate a trade package with the Rams, who may demand a hefty return for their veteran quarterback.
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Raiders Front Office Plays Coy About Stafford
During the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, neither Pete Carroll nor John Spytek directly addressed the Stafford rumors, but Spytek did hint that the team is evaluating all quarterback options.
“I don’t really want to talk about other teams’ players and get in trouble in my first press conference here,” Spytek said with a smirk. “But I would just say that if there’s an opportunity for any player that we think can add value to the Raiders, we’ll look into it.”
Where Does This Leave the Raiders’ Current QBs?
As of now, the Raiders have three quarterbacks under contract for 2025:
- Aidan O’Connell (27) – Started games for Las Vegas last season and showed flashes of potential.
- Gardner Minshew (29) – A capable veteran who could serve as a bridge QB or backup option.
- Carter Bradley (25) – A developmental player unlikely to see significant action.
It’s unlikely that all three will still be with the team once mini-camp and training camp begin, especially if the Raiders bring in a high-profile name like Stafford.
Is Stafford Actually on the Move? Not Everyone Is Convinced
While trade rumors continue to swirl, not everyone in the NFL believes Stafford will be wearing silver and black next season.
According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, several league insiders think Stafford will ultimately remain with the Rams, given their strong finish to the 2024 season and their potential to contend for another Super Bowl.
Despite throwing just 20 touchdown passes in 2024 (a far cry from his 41-touchdown campaign in 2021), Stafford was efficient and reliable:
- His interception rate (1.5%) was the lowest since 2010
- The Rams finished the season winning 6 of their last 7 games
- Nearly pulled off a playoff upset against the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles
Even with his on-field consistency, Stafford dealt with significant injuries throughout the season—something that his wife, Kelly Stafford, recently revealed on a podcast.
“He cracked four ribs,” Kelly revealed. “But just didn’t really let anyone in to know much about it. He continued his everyday process like nothing was wrong, would come home and be miserable.”
Stafford initially suffered the rib injury in Week 15 against the San Francisco 49ers but appeared to aggravate it in the Rams’ playoff loss to the Eagles.
Will Brady and the Raiders Land Stafford?
While Tom Brady’s influence within the Raiders organization could help sway Stafford toward Las Vegas, this situation is far from settled.
The Rams may ultimately keep Stafford, but if a trade does materialize, the Raiders will need to make a compelling offer—one that not only satisfies the Rams but also convinces Stafford that Vegas is the right place for him.
For now, Raiders fans can dream about a Brady-Stafford connection, but a lot of pieces still need to fall into place before a deal becomes reality.
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