NFL Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Rams and Quarterback Matthew Stafford at Odds Over Contract

The Los Angeles Rams and their franchise passer may have some issues to sort out. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, two-time Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford is uncomfortable with his current contract and is looking for an adjusted deal.

How what happens between Matthew Stafford and the Rams could impact Aaron Rodgers and his future:

🎧 https://t.co/UkBvlVZWn7 pic.twitter.com/gf0Krnj4Ka
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 18, 2025

Per overthecap, Stafford is due approximately $33.5 million in 2025 and $37.5 million in 2026 in salary, option, and roster bonuses. However, he has only four million in guaranteed money remaining on his contract, and he's likely looking to bump that up.

Stafford's dissatisfaction with the four-year, $160 million extension he signed in 2022 has become a bit of a theme over his tenure with the Rams. Last offseason, he pursued a contract adjustment following mega deals signed by Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence. He has also flirted with retirement.

Continuously renegotiating with Stafford is a tricky proposition for the Rams. He helped bring them a Super Bowl following a dramatic trade with the Detroit Lions in 2021, but his production and efficacy have declined precipitously in the years since. Over his last three seasons, Stafford has compiled a 22-18 record and missed 11 starts, all while averaging 245.4 passing yards per game and 6.43 net yards per attempt. The Rams have averaged a subpar 21.1 points per game over that period.

Stafford is 37 years old and probably should only be considered a year-to-year proposition at this point. The Rams are unlikely to find a better player in the draft or free agency, but they should still be hesitant to extend Stafford beyond the current length of his deal.

If the Rams still appreciate Stafford's leadership and current level of play, they can probably afford to guarantee him a larger percentage of the remaining money on his existing contract. If that isn't enough to satisfy Stafford, the Rams should maybe consider something drastic. Trading Stafford and snatching a low-cost replacement like Aaron Rodgers could be a net positive for the roster.