Multiple teams around the league are viewing veteran Matthew Stafford as a trade candidate for the new league year next month. According to a Sports Illustrated source, since the veteran doesn’t have any guarantees in his contract, he could be on the trade block sooner rather than later which may be a reason why teams are monitoring. However, a trade is becoming more apparent since the Rams and Stafford have yet to communicate what the future holds. After putting long-term wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the trade block, it seems like Stafford could be the next name since the Rams will probably build a new regime for the first time under head coach Sean McVay.
Stafford’s future will most likely be dependent on what contract the veteran wants and if the Rams can’t match that, the team could make a tough decision and part ways. He would become the top available veteran quarterback on the market if available but other reports from ESPN say he should be returning. Despite that, Stafford did say he will contemplate his future in the league and given he’s aging, more guarantee money to his contract might not make sense for the financial landscape of the organization. It will be interesting to see if he winds up requesting a trade to test the market since they’re already making his favorite pass catcher, Cooper Kupp, available for a trade.
However, these three teams may be the ones monitoring Stafford this upcoming free agency and may reach out in a phone call to determine his availability.
REPORT: Multiple Teams Viewing Matthew Stafford As a Trade Candidate – Saints, Steelers, Raiders Best Possible Fits
The Super Bowl Saints
The New Orleans Saints are making it too obvious they’re probably moving on from quarterback Derek Carr after a disappointing 2024 campaign. With the hiring of Kellen Moore, the Saints will most likely find a new veteran signal-caller to help get them back in postseason contention. Carr wasn’t able to do so last offseason and since suffering from an injury, he’s more a liability on the team. It doesn’t help his chances to stay on the team since he’s not willing to take a pay cut after stating he deserves every penny.
However, one could argue if he did deserve the pay, why haven’t the Saints made the postseason? Perhaps, they could trade for Matthew Stafford to create that bridge which sets up nicely for rookie Spencer Rattler. After Stafford retires, it will be up Rattler to take over the reigns and use what he learned from the veteran.
Other Fits
As for the Steelers, they’re preparing to reset their quarterback room again after failing to make a deep run in the playoffs under veteran Russell Wilson. Justin Fields looks like the man that will stay in Pittsburgh but Wilson’s future with the team looks bleak. The Steelers have not won a playoff game since 2016 and Matthew Stafford could change that and lead them to a Super Bowl run. Meanwhile, Justin Fields can spend two more years learning and be ready to lead the Steelers for several years.
For the Raiders, the hiring of Pete Carroll means the team could be preparing to trade for a veteran quarterback this offseason. Gardner Minshew will likely bolt in a trade while Aidan O’Connell will go back on the shelf and become the No. 2 signal-caller. Perhaps, Carroll has the groundwork and experience to help Stafford shoot for the stars to compete in the postseason and turn the organization around.
The post REPORT: Multiple Teams Viewing Veteran As a Trade Candidate – Saints, Steelers, Raiders Best Possible Fits appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.