“It is always a conversation at the end of each year. He wants it to be a group decision. And I look at him and I say, ‘This is your decision. If I ever thought that I needed you to retire, then I would let you know, but I want you to have the option.’” Matthew Stafford‘s wife, Kelly, said this to an NFL reporter while confirming the 37-year-old QB’s continuation in the league.
However, the Rams organization is busy finding a younger QB, per reports. And one of the best fits for the team is the Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, whose career earnings are over $63 million. According to the Athletic’s Derrik Klassen, “Can you trade Stafford for a [first-round pick] and then just sign Sam Darnold for the Stafford money, and is that actually a better place to be if you are the Los Angeles Rams for the next five years?” And the good part, the journalist added, “Because you get the draft capital in addition to a much younger quarterback on what is probably going to be a similar deal.” Looking at Matthew Stafford’s contract would give a clearer picture.
The Rams QB signed a four-year deal with the organization in 2022 for a staggering $160,000,000. Out of the total amount, $130,000,000 is guaranteed. Stafford’s average annual salary is $40 million with a cap hit of $49,666,667. But you know, Matthew Stafford also has deeper connections with the Vikings. The Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell was the Rams offensive coordinator when Stafford won the Super Bowl LVI.
But as the Rams are looking forward to moving on from Stafford, he also has great trading destinations. And the most probable spot would be the New York Giants.
Matthew Stafford and his connection with the NY Giants
The current Rams QB could land with the New York Giants. And how can we say that? Well, the Giants have hired a coach who has family ties with Matthew Stafford and that’s why it would not be a wild guess to say the Giants can sign the 37-year-old QB. As per NFL insider Adam Schefter, “Giants are hiring former Jaguars and Bills WR coach Chad Hall as their assistant quarterbacks coach, per sources. Hall now reunites with his former Bills colleagues, HC Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, in New York. Hall also is the brother-in-law of current Rams QB Matthew Stafford.” That’s a good connection. Chad Hall was a wide receivers coach for the Bills and Jaguars.
Credits: Imagn
One of the interesting facts is, that Chad Hall and Stafford are of similar age and share a brotherly love. Talking about Stafford, the Giants’ new quarterbacks coach once called him, “Brother I never had.” Um…, it looks like they have a deeper bond than just family ties. That obviously increases Stafford’s chances with the Giants.
Matthew Stafford is clearly not happy with the Rams’ restructured contract. After a solid 2024 season, adorned with 21 touchdowns and 3762 yards, it would be exciting to see where the 37-year-old quarterback lands.
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