Latest Matthew Stafford trade rumor update proves reality of the situation

Why a Rams trade scenario just won't go away

NFL rumors that place LA Rams starting quarterback on the trade block may have been a bit premature initially, but as more and more information bubbles up to the surface, the likelihood of that scenario taking place continues to inch closer and closer. How can that be?

The team's front office is quite confident in the data analytics department and it's ability to forecast player production. With that confidence comes the ability to have similar confidence in setting a fair market value for contracts under (re)negotiation. The latest spin adds clarity to the contentious nature of the Rams and Stafford's current situation. If both sides were at the same point of assessing Stafford's future worth, there would be no reason to survey Stafford's value with other NFL teams.

But part of that discussion, at least from the Rams' perspective, is what it will take to pry Stafford from the Rams roster. Some had speculated that the Rams base price right now is a Round 1 pick. NFL Insider Tom Pellissero speculates that a Round 2 pick could get the job done. It was only one week ago that some speculated that the Rams could ask for the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft from the New York Giants to part ways with Stafford.

But that was quickly shot down by NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who emphatically clarified that the Giants would never surrender the third-overall pick for Matthew Stafford:

But the Giants hold the 34th overall pick in Round 2 of the 2025, a pick that is close enough to Round 1 value to hold plenty of intrigue to the Rams front office. And if the Giants were willing to sweeten an offer with a Round 5 and Round 7 picks, filling in the gaps to the Rams draft picks' quiver, I cannot see how GM Les Snead does not take that call.

Stafford trade talk will not go away for two simple reasons: He is at a contract impasse with the LA Rams. And his salary cost to any new NFL team is up for negotiation. With only a minor roster bonus due, any acquiring team has almost universal severability in Stafford's contract, a feature that Stafford is adamant about eliminating.

Until Stafford signs on the dotted line, NFL rumors surrounding him will continue to blow. Ultimately, this will all come to a head as the 2025 NFL Draft approaches. Once the draft has passed, the two sides will be stuck in a standoff that could see Matthew Stafford sitting out the 2025 NFL season.

Nobody wants that.

As always, thanks for reading.

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