Fans of the Rams are undoubtedly having a difficult time. The Rams, who are coming off a terrible 5-12 campaign in which they broke the NFL record for most defeats by a defending champion, are currently in second place. During this tough time, Matthew Stafford’s future with the Rams has been the subject of numerous rumors in recent weeks, which has become more interesting by a statement from the NFL insider Michael Lombardi.
Former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi stated on The Pat McAfee Show that the Rams would “love to trade” Matthew Stafford, adding that Stafford is “totally available.”
The #Rams would "Love to trade" QB Matthew Stafford, according to @mlombardiNFL on the @PatMcAfeeShow
“Matthew Stafford is fully available.” pic.twitter.com/7woH61xlx9
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 9, 2023
The Rams would have to carefully assess their alternatives before making any moves since trading him before June 1 would result in a net loss of $54 million.
It is understandable that the Rams are looking into every possible way to improve, including moving Stafford, given their lackluster roster and little cap room. The Los Angeles Rams have to make an investment in a backup quarterback, and the free-agent market will provide them with a number of different choices to choose from.
On Thursday afternoon, Rams general manager Les Snead poured cold water on this rumor saying that Stafford will be back for the 2023 season.
“We’re going to definitely rely on Matthew, he’s definitely one of our pillars,” Snead said. “He’s definitely someone we’re going to rely on as we remodel this.”
What did the career of Matthew Stafford look like with the Rams?
Matthew Stafford has established himself as a high-quality and even great quarterback throughout the course of his 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played at times for both the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams.
In 2014 and 2016, he guided Detroit to two additional postseason appearances. In the former, Stafford earned Pro Bowl honors; in the latter, he established the NFL season record for most comeback victories. Stafford was moved to the Rams in 2021 with a 4-year, $160 million agreement after both parties mutually decided to split ways with the Lions. His exceptional on-field abilities helped them win Super Bowl LVI.
Stafford is the only quarterback in Super Bowl history to complete at least three touchdown passes for the victorious side without receiving the MVP award. Matthew completed 26 of his 40 passes for 283 yards and three touchdowns. He went down in NFL history as the 17th player to throw at least three touchdown passes in a Super Bowl.
A challenging period for Stafford
Stafford will have much trouble finding a trade partner because he recently suffered a season-ending injury and still has four more years left on his contract. He was put into concussion protocol on November 9, missed the Rams’ game four days later, and then made a comeback the following week against the New Orleans Saints, but he departed that game with a neck injury.
If Stafford is able to regain his full strength throughout the summer, the Rams should have a lot of confidence in their primary quarterback moving forward.
