NFL fans may not have to wait much longer to find out where Matthew Stafford will play in 2025, as a key financial deadline could force the Los Angeles Rams and interested teams to make a decision soon.
A Crucial Window for Stafford’s Next Move
Stafford, who remains under contract with the Rams for two more seasons, has been given permission to explore his market value as he seeks a new deal. While the team has publicly stated that they want him to remain their quarterback, Stafford is reportedly pushing for a higher salary, which could lead to an extension or a trade in the near future.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, an important contractual stipulation could accelerate the timeline for a resolution. Stafford is set to receive a $4 million roster bonus on March 14, which is part of the $27 million he’s owed for the 2025 season.
Additionally, with the legal tampering period beginning on March 10 and the NFL’s new league year kicking off on March 12, Breer believes a decision on Stafford’s future is likely to happen before those dates.
“The best thing for the Rams, other teams involved, and Stafford himself is to have finality by then,” Breer explained.
He also speculated that a contract extension or a potential trade could happen as early as this week.
The Market for Stafford: Who’s Interested?
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager has reported that Stafford is seeking a contract worth more than $50 million per year, and multiple teams appear willing to meet those demands.
Among the teams showing serious interest:
- New York Giants – ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reported that the Giants have made Stafford their top priority at quarterback. The team reportedly met with his representatives at the NFL Scouting Combine to gauge interest.
- Las Vegas Raiders – The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that the Raiders also have “significant interest” in acquiring the Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
Adding further intrigue to the Raiders rumors, Stafford and Las Vegas minority owner Tom Brady reportedly “ran into each other” at a ski resort in Montana. While some, like Ian Rapoport, believe the meeting was purely coincidental, Jordan Schultz has suggested it may have been planned as part of a recruitment effort by Brady.
Rams’ Stance: Do They Really Want to Keep Stafford?
Despite Stafford’s ability to explore his market, Rams head coach Sean McVay remains adamant that the team wants him back.
Appearing on the Fitz & Whit podcast, McVay emphasized that keeping Stafford is the team’s “first goal”, though he acknowledged that navigating contract discussions is always complex.
“There’s no discrepancy on us wanting him to continue to lead the way and be our quarterback,” McVay said, per ESPN. “The interesting and challenging dilemma within this is, ‘Hey, how do you continuously as a head coach look at the short term and the long term and be able to figure out what does that really look like?’
“There is no dispute—and let’s not get it twisted—in regards to anybody wanting him to be our quarterback.”
What Happens Next?
With multiple teams in the mix and a contract deadline looming, the coming days could be pivotal in determining Stafford’s next move. If an extension with the Rams isn’t agreed upon quickly, the door may open for a blockbuster trade, with the Giants and Raiders leading the pack of potential suitors.
Either way, the Matthew Stafford saga could be resolved much sooner than expected.
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