Future Hall of Famer quarterback Matthew Stafford is contemplating his NFL future after the divisional round against the Eagles. According to a Bleacher Report, the veteran will take some time away and think about whether or not he wants to continue playing. However, it seems like the quarterback has more football since responding to reporters “sure feels like.” Despite that, something interest from head coach Sean McVay could make things seem otherwise since he declined to address the future of Stafford with the Rams.
Originally selected in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft, the former Super Bowl champion came into the league spending the majority with the Detroit Lions as the primary starter, becoming the fourth quarterback in NFL history to throw more than 5,000 yards in a single season while leading the team to their first playoff appearance since 1999. After parting ways with the Lions in 2021, Stafford found some life under McVay’s offense, leading them to a ring. The veteran was off to a rough beginning in this past 2024 campaign at 1-4, but the Rams were able to bounce back and win their next ten games to secure the NFC West. However, it wasn’t enough for the team to go on another run to the Super Bowl again despite juicing the momentum back together.
The Rams have teased trading Stafford before the 2023 season and there have been rumors as well after the 1-4 start. With Stafford on for two more years, they may trade him to another team to rebuild a new regime in the McVay era.
Future Hall of Famer Matthew Stafford Contemplating NFL Future – Could a Trade Be in the Works?
5 Potential Trade Destinations
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers have faith in quarterback Bryce Young as long as they get capable receivers for him to excel. After benching him earlier last season, no one should rule out if it happens again since head coach Dave Canales wants to see results immediately. Perhaps, they could reach an agreement on a trade this upcoming offseason to mount the pressure on Young. However, they have to wait until they see how Young performs with uprising wide receivers Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints will leave it up to the next head coach of this organization to decide on Derek Carr‘s future. Carr has no desire to take a pay cut so it shouldn’t be surprising if the team decides to release him this upcoming offseason. If that’s the case, they should look into trading for Stafford while he has two years on his contract to give rookie Spencer Rattler more time to adjust in the league.
Minnesota Vikings
Veteran quarterback Sam Darnold will likely walk to a new team so that means J.J. McCarthy will finally get a chance to get a start to show his talents after a season-ending injury last offseason. McCarthy is in good hands with the weapons he has on offense but if they struggle, head coach Kevin O’Connell could call for some veteran help. The Vikings will need to find some veteran insurance either way in the signal-caller unit. It shouldn’t be surprising if O’Connell desires to trade for a veteran like Stafford to help them reach deeper in the postseason to buy McCarthy some extra time since the Darnold experiment somewhat was decent until the playoffs.
Pittsburgh Steelers
There’s no word yet on what the Steelers will do with their quarterback situation after the disappointing first-round exit. Justin Fields is probably the favorite considering he has many years ahead of him, meanwhile, Russell Wilson could hang up the cleats sooner rather than later. Perhaps, trading for a veteran quarterback like Stafford could help Fields on the field and he may find a way to start if Fields fails to deliver at the end of next season.
Dallas Cowboys
This might be the most unlikely trade destination than the last four teams that were mentioned. Quarterback Dak Prescott signed an extension but that doesn’t mean they won’t be looking for a new signal-caller. As Cooper Rush and Trey Lance will become free agents, the Cowboys could trade for Stafford to bring in a winning championship now, especially since they have to watch the Commanders and Eagles compete in the NFC Championship Game.
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