Matthew Stafford conflicting reports triggered Starbucks fracas at NFL Combine

Yes, the NFL rumors involving Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford are heating up. But for a change of pace, that is not the main topic of an article that cites Stafford. While the rumors are heating up, it seems that the NFL Insiders who are racing to be first with breaking reports of new information are getting rather hot under the collar as well.

This story begins at a familiar place. We shared yesterday that Las Vegas Raiders minority owner and NFL broadcaster Tom Brady met with Matthew Stafford on the slopes of Montana. That meeting was first reported by Fox Sports NFL Insider Jordan Schultz:

That report was quickly amended by NFL Network's own NFL Insider Ian Rapoport, who quickly shared an alternate description of events:

Because we wanted to ensure that our readers were aware of the different details that were reported separately, we cited both social media reports to advance the story that the Las Vegas Raiders appeared to be making a push to land Stafford via a future trade. As of now through 2026, the LA Rams have Stafford under contract.

In an industry where speed is the top prize, accuracy is a very close second. Real time exchanges, with one NFL Insider basically saying that the initial report was flawed, is a huge slap in the face in the industry. And with almost all NFL industry analysts, insiders, and executives attending the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine multi-day event, the chances of Jordan Schultz running into Ian Rapoport this week were pretty good to start with.

And it seems as though that meeting happened sooner rather than later.

Mike Florio, who has been a center of controversy over the years in his own right, shared the details of the exchange that you can find by clicking on this link here.

More Rams offseason News

It's clear that the outcome of stalled contract talks between the Rams and Stafford has been rather divisive among fans. Some view Matthew Stafford as a player who is worth any salary compensation, and urge the team to pay him. Others view the steady decline of the offense while noting how quickly the team has retooled the defense with rookies, and view 2025 as an opportunity to initiate an offensive makeover.

Still others are torn, and simply trust the team and player to do what is ultimately what's best for both sides.

Opinions can vary, but I think it's just a matter of everyone trying to process the facts and projections that nobody expected. It's a tough situation to be in, that's for sure. The Rams have made it clear that this is where veteran WR Cooper Kupp deplanes. And based on granting permissions to contact other teams, the team is prepared to part ways with QB Matthew Stafford as well as IOL Jonah Jackson.

I never expected this to be the top Rams stories as the 2025 NFL season arrives. I don't think anyone expected it. But here we are, in the middle of NFL rumors. If you find me at a Starbucks, let's converse over the latest Rams stories over a coffee. Perhaps in the process, we can educate NFL Insiders how to act in public.

And nothing quite tops this post-conflict recap via the Pat McAfee Show:

As always, thanks for reading.

Here are more Rams rumors and news that you may enjoy