- NFL. Dallas Cowboys set their sights on Dak Prescott's successor in 2025 NFL Draft-Who will they pick?
- NFL. Jalen Hurts stays focused: Training hard just weeks after Super Bowl win
Matthew Stafford is making his stance clear: he wants to be among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. According to NFL Network's Peter Schrager, the Los Angeles Rams quarterback is seeking a new contract worth more than $50 million per year, a significant jump from his current deal.
Despite Stafford's request, the Rams are hesitant to restructure his contract again after previously borrowing from future years to give him a raise.
This standoff has led to outside interest, with teams like the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders reportedly reaching out to gauge his availability.
Potential trade scenarios emerge
Stafford, who carries a $49.67 million cap hit for 2024, has been given permission to discuss potential contract options with other teams. While the Rams have yet to commit to a trade, speculation is growing about whether a team like the Steelers would be willing to part with significant draft capital and meet Stafford's financial demands.
NFL insiders suggest the Giants are unlikely to offer their No. 3 overall pick but could consider a second-round selection to acquire the veteran quarterback. Meanwhile, the Steelers may be evaluating whether Stafford's experience and Super Bowl-winning pedigree are worth a first or second-round pick, along with a new contract exceeding $50 million per year.
Currently, nine quarterbacks in the NFL earn at least $50 million annually, including Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert. Of that group, only Hurts and Stafford have won a Super Bowl. Given his proven track record, Stafford believes he deserves to be in the same financial bracket as the league's top signal-callers.
Rams' roster shake-up could influence decision
The Rams' offseason moves could play a role in Stafford's future. The team is reportedly exploring trade options for star wide receiver Cooper Kupp, a key weapon in Stafford's offense. Kupp himself hinted at a possible departure on social media, adding another layer of uncertainty to the Rams' plans.
Complicating matters further, Stafford's wife, Kelly Stafford, has publicly expressed frustration over the idea of trading Kupp. FOX analyst Colin Cowherd recently commented that the Rams' front office finds this type of pushback "tiring."
With the standoff intensifying, the Rams must soon decide whether to commit to Stafford long-term at his asking price or explore a trade that could reshape the team's future.