The Los Angeles Rams can not only still make the playoffs, their odds of being a wild card are not as bad as most people think despite being 2-4. However, if the Rams lose to the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, that likely ends the hope that most fans have for a successful season and then the “fire sale” talk will really heat up. The top name on that list is Matthew Stafford.
But could the Rams even trade Stafford if they wanted to?
Stafford has to agree
It doesn’t matter if Matthew Stafford has or doesn’t have a no-trade clause in his contract (the answer is unclear) because he could just refuse to go somewhere if the Rams trade him. He’s rich enough and accomplished enough at this point to just not show up.
So if the Rams trade Stafford to the Browns, he may decide he doesn’t want to play in Cleveland. However, if he goes to the Vikings, Stafford may like the idea of reuniting with Kevin O’Connell and pairing with Justin Jefferson for a team that is 5-0.
The Rams can’t just trade Stafford anywhere. It’s hard to believe he’d play for any team that he doesn’t want to play for at this point.
Financials
Stafford makes just under $1 million per game, so the acquiring team would be on the hook for a prorated portion of his $16 million base salary. He’s owed about $11 million for the rest of the season.
The Rams would save that money, but they’d also get off the hook for the money they owe Stafford in 2027. That would be very beneficial for L.A. given the extraordinary number of 2027 free agents on the roster.
Draft Pick Compensation
The Rams don’t have a first-round pick in 2027 because of Myles Garrett. L.A. wouldn’t need to get a quarterback in return for the trade because they already have Ty Simpson and Stetson Bennett. The Rams would just want draft picks, probably starting with a first.
If the Vikings feel that they’re going to reach the playoffs and make a decent run, then would it be worth it to give up pick 28 or 30 for a quarterback like Stafford? Minnesota probably isn’t thinking about replacing Kyler Murray right now though. That could change.
The Giants were very interested in Stafford last year. Would he be willing to go play for John Harbaugh and pair with Malik Nabers? Would Stafford be open to playing for the Eagles, a recent Super Bowl winning team? Would he go back to the state of Georgia to help the Falcons and Kevin Stefanski? Or the Denver Broncos and Sean Payton?
There are teams that should consider Stafford, but who would make the best offer? A first-round pick would likely have to be the starting point even if Stafford has struggled this season.
Is it possible?
It sure seems that way. The Rams are setup for a trade if they end up 2-5 or 2-6 because they already drafted Simpson and should pave the way for him in that case. However, should they do it? You can answer that question yourself by voting:
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