Rams fans will need to sit as NFL experts share latest Matthew Stafford updates

Let's be clear when it comes to quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams. There is abundant love, respect, and admiration for one another. Rams HC Sean McVay loves his starting quarterback, and the two sides have formed a formidable successful NFL juggernaut that has landed this team in the NFL Playoffs in all but one of their four-year relationship. But how long will that relationship continue?

Therein lies the rub.

This week was already going to be the epicenter of NFL rumors from the moment that Colin Cowherd set an imminent deadline for the LA Rams sitting back down with Matthew Stafford and his agent this week. The team permitted Stafford to survey other NFL teams to determine if any might be willing to pay him his asking price. As it so happens, today's whirlwind of NFL rumors brings up updates about the Rams-Stafford stalled (re)negotiations.

You'd better sit down for this one. I suspect you won't like what some NFL Insiders and experts have to share on the latest developments.

But let's pause a moment. Have the Rams short-changed Stafford? Here's an eye-opening fact about how the Rams have managed to compensate Matthew Stafford since his Super Bowl LVI victory. Notice that the team has continued to spend top-dollar on the guy:

That has not been the problem. But it was not the solution, either. The Rams have been falling in terms of offensive prowess. And, as much as it pains me to say it, Stafford is beginning to show signs of regression.

GMFB's Peter Schrager is plugged into the Rams

There will always be some NFL Insider or expert who weighs in on Los Angeles Rams matters who haven't established any credibility about their Rams insights. They've managed to stay too distant form the team to give specific details, much like a fortune cookie cites a fortune that it is correct for anyone. Those insights are a bit too vanilla for this rapidly developing matter.

But Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager has established himself with bullseye predictions and projections about the Rams in the past. And so, when he makes it a point to unload everything that he knows about the Rams and Matthew Stafford's situation for three minutes, you can bet that he speaks with knowledge and authority.

Schrager delivers in this one. He has the type of specifics that really set the stage for why these negotiations have reached an impasse. But rather than tell you, I will let him tell you directly.

But here is where the real juice is laid out for NFL fans.

"He (Matthew Stafford) wants to be paid more than $50 million. They (the LA Rams) have given the agent, Jimmy Sexton, one of the best agents in all of football . . . the freedom to seek out what might be some teams that would be of interest and if those teams would pay him. Guess what? There are teams that are willing to pay him more than the Rams are currently willing to pay him. The question is: Does Stafford want to go to those teams?"

GMFB host Peter Schrager

But he did not end it there. How does trading for Stafford affect his trade compensation?

"What are those teams willing to give up? That is really where we are starting that number: $50 million . . . Would the Giants be willing to trade the 34th overall pick for Matthew Stafford? . . . Several quarterbacks would love to play for the Rams."

GMFB Host Peter Schrager

Schrager lays out the fact that Matthew Stafford's bottom-line salary demands start at $50+ million to play in 2025. The Rams are unlikely to be willing to up the ante on Stafford who has showed some indications of regressing in the pocket. And the team has solid alternative quarterback option like Jimmy Garoppolo and a growing volume of rumors linking Aaron Rodgers to the Rams if Stafford is dealt away.

But here's more financial wisdom:

If you can guarantee a healthy Stafford for the entire NFL season (17 games and postseason), then Stafford could be worth a pay bump. But what if he is injured? What happens if the retires? Those are real concerns, and play a large part in why the Rams are logically hesitant to ante up to Stafford's salary demands.

Which teams are likely interested in Matthew Stafford?

According to Sports Illustrated's NFL Insider Albert Breer, the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Las Vegas Raiders have all expressed interest in trading for the Rams veteran quarterback. I believe that is only scratching the surface, as some NFL teams would be hesitant to show their hand if they have a starting quarterback, but view Stafford as an instant upgrade.

Unless Stafford backs down on his salary demands, I fear that the Rams are prepared to execute a trade. The Rams have made it clear that they want players on the roster that want to play for the team. Unfortunately, if their data analytics algorithms do not support a player's salary demands, that player will find himself playing for a team that will pay him that level. The Rams lost free agent OLB Von Miller after a superb second half to the 2021 NFL season to the Buffalo Bills. But Miller never came close to producing to the level of that contract, and was forced to take a pay cut to remain with the Bills.

It will all come out in the wash. Stafford was the right quarterback to lead the team to victory in Super Bowl LVI. Perhaps the time has come to write a new chapter. After the retirement of All-Pro DT Aaron Donald, the Rams pass rush sacked the quarterback 16 times in just two playoff games.

Change is coming for the Rams roster, it seems. But it's just as likely to be a tailwind that bolsters the team, than a headwind that slows the team's progress.

As always, thanks for reading:

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