NFL Trade Rumors: Are Rams trading Matthew Stafford? Super Bowl-winning QB available
Just one year after signing Matthew Stafford to a four-year, $160 million extension, the Los Angeles Rams are reportedly looking to move on from the Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
According to Michael Lombardi, the team is looking to trade the veteran. He said that he knows they've phoned teams about trying to trade him, but thinks it'll be hard due to his contract that still has $57 million guaranteed.
"Matt Stafford’s fully available," Lombardi said. "They're trying to. They would love to trade. They can't do it because he's got $57 million guaranteed. ... They're trying to get out from it. So, I don't really want to hear the bulls**t that, 'Oh, we're not trying to trade him.' Yes, you are. You've called teams. I know this."
"I know that the Rams have called teams trying to move Matthew Stafford"
@mlombardiNFL #PMSLive https://t.co/44aPLbIP6K
The Rams acquired Stafford from the Detroit Lions on March 18, 2021. They sent Jared Goff, a 2021 third-round pick and two first-round picks in 2022 and 2023 to Detroit.
He had an impressive 2021 season as he led the Rams to a 12-5 record and won Super Bowl LVI. He threw for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns, 17 touchdowns and scored a rushing touchdown in the regular season.
The Los Angeles Rams look to continue their rebuild
Add Matthew Stafford to the list of veterans that the Rams plan on getting rid of.
The team released All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner a year into his five-year contract after an impressive season.
The team is reportedly open to trading All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and wide receiver Allen Robinson.
They will also release linebacker Leonard Floyd at some point if they are unable to trade him. He's recorded nine-plus sacks in each of the last three seasons.
Rams are expected to release OLB Leonard Floyd if they cannot trade him first, per league sources. Floyd has had at least nine sacks in each of the past three seasons.
Stafford will enter this season at the age of 35, and he isn't getting any younger.
Last offseason, Stafford underwent elbow surgery on his right elbow after experiecing pain throughout the season.
He played only nine games last season, going 3-6 as he missed about half of the season due to concussions and a spinal cord contusion which ended his season.
It seems as if the injuries are catching up on the aging veteran, and the Rams are looking to get rid of him sooner rather than later as they look to rebuild and get younger.
If you use any of the above quotes, please credit "The Pat McAfee Show" and Michael Lombardi and H/T Sportskeeda.