The Rams are considering big changes, and Stafford’s name is now swirling in trade rumors ahead of the upcoming deadline
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in one of the most notable NFL trades in recent years. Now, as the Rams look to rebuild, Stafford might be up for trade again.
Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk revealed that the Rams are considering trading wide receiver Cooper Kupp, which raises the possibility of Stafford also being on the market due to his uncertain future and the team’s underwhelming start.
“The Rams have been taking a year-to-year approach to Stafford,” Florio wrote. “A 2024 revision to his contract, aimed at giving him security beyond this season, didn’t provide much. Retirement by Stafford or an offseason release or trade is very possible. Why not trade him now?”
Florio’s speculation lines up with rumors that the Rams could be discussing sending Stafford back to the NFC North, this time to a rival of Detroit.
Earlier this month, Florio suggested that the Minnesota Vikings might be a suitable trade partner, as Stafford would be an upgrade over Sam Darnold. On Tuesday, he noted that discussions about this potential trade are gaining traction, although no official reports have confirmed the move yet.
While public reports have mainly focused on Kupp’s availability, the quiet surrounding Stafford’s situation may not be negative.
“[The Rams] haven’t tried to create a trade market for Stafford,” Florio added. “Perhaps because Stafford would, if he’s willing to be traded, have one preferred destination. A 5-1 team where he knows the key coaches and the playbook and the organization is in position to contend for a Super Bowl berth.”
Pro Football Focus analyst Jackson McIntire also commented that a trade involving Stafford and the Vikings could be mutually beneficial.
“Honestly, Stafford to the Vikings makes a lot more sense than people think,” McIntire posted on X. “He’s an upgrade over Darnold + familiar with [Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell’s] offense, bridges into McCarthy, and raises the team’s ceiling this season. On the flip side, Darnold to the Rams makes a lot of sense for them.”
However, not everyone agrees with this scenario. SI.com pointed out that the Vikings recently moved on from Kirk Cousins, another veteran quarterback, to avoid his large contract. Given that Stafford carries a $46 million cap hit this season, a trade might not align with the Vikings’ strategy, especially after drafting J.J. McCarthy as their future quarterback.
Stafford returning to the NFC North would certainly catch the attention of Detroit fans. Last year, he returned to face the Lions in the wild card round of the playoffs, where the Lions won and advanced further.
If Stafford is traded to the Vikings, he could face another reunion with the Lions in Week 18 during a game that might carry significant playoff stakes, as the Vikings are scheduled to play the Lions in the season finale.
READ MORE: Alvin Kamara, Saints agree to 2-year, $24.5 million extension
Image Credit: © Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images
NFL 
