NFL Trade Rumors: Matthew Stafford, Rams Met Before Super Bowl; 'Not Much Progressed'

The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford have discussed a new contract, but "not much progressed after their opening conversations," according to The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.

"If there is a difference between Stafford and the Rams, it would likely be this: The Rams don’t want to make a significant financial commitment to a veteran quarterback whose long-term future or durability they can’t be certain about, and a youthful roster built through the draft is now their core identity," Rodrigue said.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday on SportsCenter the Rams possess a "strong interest" in keeping Stafford but that his current contract is "untenable" for the team.

"He's going to need a new deal and if for some reason they can't work that out, there will be a strong trade market for Matthew Stafford," Fowler said. "It will be robust."

Rodrigue laid out the dilemma for the franchise.

Los Angeles has won 10 games and made the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. Over that stretch, Stafford has averaged 249.3 passing yards per game and thrown 44 touchdowns to 19 interceptions.

Trading the two-time Pro Bowler would likely mean downgrading at quarterback and lowering the odds of a third straight trip to the postseason.

But Stafford also has a $49.7 million salary cap hit for 2025 and will count for $53.7 million in 2026. That's a sizable financial commitment, and there's some risk in extending his contract further when he's 37 and will presumably want a bump on his current $40 million average payout.

Running back Kyren Williams is entering the last year of his rookie contract. Wide receiver Puka Nacua and defensive lineman Kobie Turner are eligible for free agency in 2027. Keeping a promising young roster together will become a costly endeavor for general manager Les Snead within the next few years.

If push comes to shove, it might make more sense to move on from Stafford now in order to widen the Rams' long-term window for contention.