Ranking top 5 Matthew Stafford landing spots as rumors circle over Super Bowl-winning Rams QB's availability
Rumors have begun to swirl around Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. As the franchise continues to trend toward a major rebuild, Stafford's name has come up a lot.
He makes a lot of sense for a potential trade, too. He's good when healthy and was a Super Bowl winner a year before last. He would immediately improve a lot of teams' situations. Here are a few good landing spots for him.
Where Matthew Stafford should go if he leaves the Rams
5) San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers are the most intriguing landing spot for Matthew Stafford. The quarterback would probably be their starter, which would then allow them to trade off Brock Purdy or Trey Lance.
Either young QB would likely offset the cost they would have to spend to get Stafford and it would make them a Super Bowl contender. They almost made the big game with a broken Brock Purdy, so imagine what they could do with a healthy Stafford.
4) Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders are in an interesting spot. They probably need to rebuild, but the current management would probably prefer to go after it. With new offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy, adding Stafford would make them a threat in the NFC East.
They've opted to start Sam Howell in his second year out of UNC, but Stafford is a huge upgrade there.
3) Green Bay Packers
This all hinges on whether or not the Green Bay Packers make the prospective Aaron Rodgers trade. If he lands with the New York Jets or elsewhere, the Packers may want to see if they can get Stafford. He would probably be better than Jordan Love, though the team may want to rebuild around him.
If they trade Rodgers because he wants out and they aren't interested in rebuilding, then Stafford is a prime trade candidate.
2) Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have a choice here. They can try and draft a rookie quarterback or play the veteran market. Drafting seventh overall, it's going to be tough to get a top rookie, so they either have to trade up or trade for someone.
If they choose to go for a veteran, Stafford would make a nice pairing with Davante Adams and make them an offensive nightmare for defenses to guard. Their offense was pretty dangerous with Derek Carr, so Stafford would make them even more so.
1) New York Jets
Once again, this all hinges on whether or not the Packers send Aaron Rodgers to the Jets. If they don't, then Derek Carr is already off the market — leaving the Jets with Jimmy Garoppolo and other less inspiring options for their quarterback vacancy.
Stafford would cost a lot less than Rodgers, though, which the young Jets may want to consider. Stafford is an easy upgrade over anyone they have and most of the legitimate options on the market right now.
If the purported Rodgers deal falls through, the Jets should absolutely call the Rams about Matthew Stafford.