Pro Bowler quarterback Matthew Stafford is looking for a new deal and could seek a trade this offseason. According to a report, the two sides are in contract talks to give the Georgia product an adjusted contract to give him more guaranteed money. Stafford has two years left on his contract but none of the salary money he’s getting is a guarantee which he is seeking. He’s coming off a healthy campaign last season after rebounding from the 2022 campaign, limiting him to nine games.
The Rams made a surprising return to the postseason last season after winning Super Bowl 52 which is helping his leverage for a new deal. However, Stafford has been facing retirement questions in the past, but the team is hopeful he stays on top of the depth chart. A new contract would ensure him to be the quarterback of the Rams for the rest of his career. Much of the success of the offense will depend on Stafford’s level of play so this is something they will try to finish before the season.
A new contract could also lower the burden for the Rams salary cap where it’s a reasonable concern. The 36-year-old isn’t getting any younger and has been dealing with injuries so they may be hesitating in giving him a new deal. The team has Jimmy Garoppolo as a veteran backup and 2023 fourth-rounder Stetson Bennett as a developmental passer. However, the Rams don’t have anything to worry about Stafford leaving the team as he’s been participating in OTA’s.
Stafford’s status is worth watching to see what Los Angeles will come up with and if he will seek a holdout once mandatory camp begins next month. Rumors may spiral if he doesn’t show up.
Pro Bowler Matthew Stafford Looking for New Deal, Could Seek Trade
Will He Get a New Contract?
It was a matter of time for the 36-year-old to receive a new deal after signing a four-year, $160 million contract years ago. However, his age and the number of injuries could make the Rams hesitant to give him what he wants. Stafford has every right to want a new contract before his NFL career looms at the end. Last season, the team lost to his former team, Detroit in the wild-card game and will now play without future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.
Stafford isn’t holding out like most players in the league are. Despite the ongoing negotiations, he’s been an active participant at practice, but that could change soon if he doesn’t get what he desires. Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts and Jared Goff all have been inking new deals the past two offseasons while some quarterbacks are waiting. Dak Prescott, Jordan Love, Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence are the quarterbacks joining Stafford hoping for a new deal.
Kirk Cousins just received a new contract after signing a four-year, $180 million deal with $100 million guaranteed. Cousins is just a year younger than Stafford, so what type of contract he’ll receive will be interesting. If he doesn’t get the deal he wants, here are some potential trade fits for Stafford.
Potential Trade Fits
If the Saints aren’t impressed by what Derek Carr is doing in his second year with an adjusted offense then they could cut ties. However, he’s been disappointing in his first season with the Saints so this is something to watch as they haven’t found a reliable quarterback since the Drew Brees-Era. Stafford could pull what Peyton Manning did when leaving the Colts to win one last Super Bowl with the Broncos before retirement.
Where are the Dallas Cowboys and what are they going to do at the quarterback position? It seems like they’re taking their precious time to lock in a deal to keep Prescott for the next decade. There haven’t been any talks or negotiations ongoing so this could mean they both move. This would probably open up a swerve move for Jerry Jones to bring Stafford in on a two-year deal to see if he can lead the team to the Super Bowl. It sounds like a dream scenario but anything is possible.
This goes for the same for the Carolina Panthers. Bryce Young didn’t have an impressive rookie year so if he continues to be inconsistent then they may target a veteran like Stafford to lead them.
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