As the 2025 NFL offseason begins, the Los Angeles Rams face a pivotal decision regarding quarterback Matthew Stafford. The 37-year-old Super Bowl champion remains a high-level performer, but with two years left on his contract (only $4 million guaranteed in 2025 and none in 2026), trade rumors have intensified. Reports suggest the Rams have allowed Stafford to explore options with other teams, hinting at a potential blockbuster move. Stafford’s elite arm talent, toughness, and experience make him a coveted asset for quarterback-needy franchises, though his age and the Rams’ likely demand for a first-round pick narrow the field. With GM Les Snead’s aggressive tendencies and head coach Sean McVay’s future in mind, here are the top five trade partners for Stafford as of February 23, 2025, based on fit, need, and feasibility.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Why It Makes Sense
The Steelers’ quarterback situation remains unsettled heading into 2025. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields, both free agents after 2024, failed to solidify themselves as long-term answers despite a strong roster that reached the playoffs. Stafford offers an immediate upgrade, bringing playoff pedigree and the ability to maximize Pittsburgh’s offensive weapons—George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Najee Harris—in Mike Tomlin’s win-now system. His familiarity with play-action and deep shots aligns with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith’s preferences, and at 37, he’s a perfect bridge to a younger successor.
Trade Proposal
- Rams Receive: 2025 first-round pick (No. 21), 2025 second-round pick (No. 52), conditional 2026 second-rounder (upgrades to a first if Stafford plays 65% of snaps in 2025)
- Steelers Receive: Matthew Stafford, 2025 Rams’ first-round pick (No. 26)
This deal mirrors the Aaron Rodgers trade structure from 2023, giving the Rams draft capital to pivot to a rookie while landing Stafford in a competitive AFC North.
Feasibility
Pittsburgh’s $30 million in projected cap space and lack of a clear QB solution in a thin 2025 draft class make this enticing. Stafford’s no-trade clause isn’t a factor, and he’d likely welcome joining a perennial contender.
2. Minnesota Vikings
Why It Makes Sense
The Vikings’ 2024 season showcased Sam Darnold’s resurgence, but his late-season struggles and impending free agency raise questions. Rookie J.J. McCarthy, recovering from a meniscus injury, may not be ready to helm Kevin O’Connell’s high-octane offense. Stafford, who won a Super Bowl under O’Connell’s coordination in 2021, is a seamless fit. His ability to elevate Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and T.J. Hockenson could push Minnesota deeper into the playoffs, buying time for McCarthy’s development.
Trade Proposal
- Rams Receive: 2025 first-round pick (No. 24)
- Vikings Receive: Matthew Stafford
A straightforward swap leverages Minnesota’s $58.6 million in cap space and O’Connell’s prior rapport with Stafford, offering the Rams a valuable pick to rebuild.
Feasibility
If the Vikings doubt Darnold’s ceiling or McCarthy’s readiness, Stafford’s familiarity with the system and immediate impact make this a slam dunk. The Rams could then pursue Darnold as a bridge option.
3. New York Giants
Why It Makes Sense
The Giants’ quarterback woes reached a breaking point in 2024, with Daniel Jones benched and cut, leaving Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito as stopgaps. Sitting at No. 3 overall in the draft, New York faces a weak 2025 QB class (Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders aside). Stafford offers Brian Daboll a proven veteran to pair with rookie star Malik Nabers, potentially saving Daboll’s job by stabilizing an offense desperate for competence. His grit fits New York’s blue-collar ethos.
Trade Proposal
- Rams Receive: 2025 second-round pick (No. 34), 2026 second-round pick
- Giants Receive: Matthew Stafford
If the first-round market for Stafford softens, this package—plus $49 million in Giants cap space—could work, allowing New York to draft a non-QB like Will Campbell at No. 3.
Feasibility
Stafford might hesitate to join a rebuilding team, but Nabers and a decent offensive line could sway him. The Giants’ urgency to win now aligns with his timeline.
4. Tennessee Titans
Why It Makes Sense
Tennessee’s 3-14 debacle in 2024 exposed Will Levis as a questionable long-term option. New head coach Brian Callahan, a Sean McVay disciple, runs an offense tailor-made for Stafford’s strengths—play-action, timing, and downfield throws. With Tony Pollard, Calvin Ridley, and Chigoziem Okonkwo as weapons, Stafford could spark a quick turnaround in a winnable AFC South, mentoring a future draft pick like Jake Haener.
Trade Proposal
- Rams Receive: 2025 first-round pick (No. 5)
- Titans Receive: Matthew Stafford, 2025 Rams’ third-round pick
The Titans’ No. 5 pick is steep, but Stafford’s fit and their $70 million in cap space justify it. The Rams could target a top QB prospect with the extra capital.
Feasibility
Stafford might balk at Tennessee’s recent futility, but Callahan’s scheme and a fresh start could appeal. The Titans’ desperation for QB stability boosts this scenario.
5. New York Jets
Why It Makes Sense
The Aaron Rodgers experiment flopped in 2024, with injuries and drama derailing the Jets. Cutting Rodgers post-June 1 saves $9.5 million (plus $30 million if Davante Adams is dealt), opening the door for Stafford. His grit and arm talent would mesh with Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, giving Robert Saleh (if retained) a chance to salvage the roster’s potential. Stafford’s postseason savvy could lift a franchise starving for success.
Trade Proposal
- Rams Receive: 2025 second-round pick (No. 41), 2026 first-round pick
- Jets Receive: Matthew Stafford
With only $7 million in initial cap space, the Jets need financial gymnastics, but Stafford’s upside warrants it. The Rams gain future flexibility.
Feasibility
Stafford might resist another aging-QB gamble after Rodgers’ tenure, but the Jets’ talent and New York spotlight could intrigue him if restructured contracts align.
Strategic Outlook for the Rams
The Rams’ motivations hinge on 2024’s outcome. A playoff miss might accelerate a youth movement, with Snead using Stafford’s trade value (a first-round pick is the reported baseline) to draft a successor like Quinn Ewers or Jaxson Dart. Stafford’s $40 million cap hit in 2025 complicates retention unless he reworks his deal, but his performance—4,886 yards and 41 TDs in 2021—proves he’s worth the investment for contenders. Trading him also frees cap space ($58 million projected) to bolster their offensive line or secondary.
Final Rankings
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Best roster fit and draft capital match.
- Minnesota Vikings: O’Connell connection and playoff upside.
- New York Giants: Desperation meets Stafford’s experience.
- Tennessee Titans: Callahan’s system and high pick potential.
- New York Jets: Wild card with talent but logistical hurdles.
Stafford’s next chapter depends on his desire to chase another ring versus the Rams’ readiness to pivot. The Steelers and Vikings offer the strongest win-now paths, while the Giants and Titans bridge present and future. The Jets are a long shot, but in a quarterback-starved league, Stafford’s market is red-hot. Expect Snead to strike a deal that keeps L.A. competitive while honoring Stafford’s legacy.
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[…] center on bolstering key position groups. With Matthew Stafford entering his age-37 season, and persistent rumors of a possible trade, the quarterback position could be a long-term consideration, especially for a developmental […]