One of the more criminally underrated storylines of the upcoming offseason is that Matthew Stafford could be on the move. The former Super Bowl champion quarterback technically has two years remaining on his current contract, but it’s essentially set up that he’s been going year to year with the Los Angeles Rams. This opens the door for a decision to be made by both sides in the coming weeks and months.
Stafford is due roughly $4 million in guaranteed money in 2025, and there are currently no guarantees in his deal for 2026. That’ll need to be adjusted, but it remains to be seen which team will actually be hammering out Stafford’s contract. For the Rams, they’re at an interesting inflection point where they may opt to hit the soft reset button, which could include moving off of Stafford. Already, the team is working to trade wideout Cooper Kupp, so this transition on offense is beginning in earnest.
If L.A. ultimately decides to part ways with Stafford and puts him on the trade block, let’s examine a few potential destinations and configure some varying trade packages for the veteran.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers trade package
Rams get: 2025 first-round pick (No. 21 overall), 2025 second-round pick (No. 52 overall), conditional 2026 second-round pick (can become a first if Stafford plays 65% of the snaps in 2025). Steelers get: Matthew Stafford, 2025 first-round pick (No. 26 overall)
This may look a bit convoluted, with several picks exchanging hands, but we highlight this specific type of trade for a reason. It’s loosely mirroring the deal that the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets struck around Aaron Rodgers back in 2023, which ultimately blew up in New York’s face. However, it does represent a fascinating structure to work with concerning a potential Stafford trade since the QBs were/are in similar spots in their careers.
For the Rams, that would allow them to move up a handful of spots in the 2025 NFL Draft while also picking up a second-rounder this year and a potential first in the following draft. Given how well Les Snead has operated the draft in recent years, they could find blue-chip players with those selections.
2. Minnesota Vikings trade package
Rams get: 2025 first-round pick (No. 24 overall) Vikings get: Matthew Stafford
Should the market not be robust for Stafford, allowing him to be traded for a first-round pick could be possible for the Vikings. This centers on their desire to retain Sam Darnold while still believing J.J. McCarthy isn’t quite ready yet. Stafford gives the Vikings a high ceiling for at least the next two seasons.
There is a connection between Stafford and the Vikings thanks to head coach Kevin O’Connell, who was his offensive coordinator in L.A. during his first season with the Rams in 2021, which led to a Super Bowl LVI title. This prior relationship could help facilitate a deal.
3. New York Giants trade package
Rams get: 2025 second-round pick (No. 34), 2026 second-round pick Giants get: Matthew Stafford
If the market isn’t strong for Stafford and a first-round pick isn’t available, the Giants could enter the conversation. Although the No. 3 overall pick at the 2025 NFL Draft would be out of the question, two second-round picks could be attractive for the Rams.
Getting two second-round picks could still be a solid return for the Rams; especially No. 34 overall. In theory, they could package that pick alongside their own first-rounder (No. 26) to move up if a desirable prospect begins to drop.
