NFL insider: LA Rams QB Matt Stafford 'fully available' for offseason trade
A little over 13 months ago, Matt Stafford hoisted the Lombardi Trophy for the Los Angeles Rams.
How long ago that feels now. In the season since, Stafford has been plagued by injuries, and now the franchise that gave him his chance to get out of Detroit may be looking to unload him and his monstrous contract on a new franchise.
According to Michael Lombardi via The Pat McAfee Show, the Sean McVay-led franchise is shopping Stafford, hoping someone takes the veteran quarterback and the money he’s owed off their hands.
“Matt Stafford is fully available,” stated Lombardi. “Matt Stafford, they’re trying to trade — they would love to trade, they can’t do it because he’s got $57 million guaranteed.”
While many have wondered whether Stafford will even play as he rehabs his injuries from last season, Lombardi reminded the world that either way, the quarterback is getting paid. For that reason and for the future of the team, the Rams are hoping to move on.
“He says he is playing, but his contract, he’s got $26 million of an option bonus on the third day of the league year, and he’s going $31 million in paragraph five on the third day of the league year, all of that is guaranteed,” added Lombardi. “When I say guaranteed, that’s for skill and injury, so it doesn’t matter if he can’t play. … He’s got $57 million no matter what.
“The Rams? What are they going to do? They’re trying to get out from under it. I don’t want to hear the bulls— that you’re not trying to trade him. Yes you are. You’ve called teams. I know this. Like I know, this, okay? I don’t really care what they say. They all lie about it.”
Aside from Stafford, there’s been rumors the Rams are looking to move on from other aging stars, including cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Perhaps a full-fledged rebuild and reload is on their mind.
Nevertheless, it’ll be fascinating to watch what becomes of Matt Stafford this offseason, and whether another veteran, star quarterback is on the move.