The Los Angeles Rams have granted quarterback Matthew Stafford and his agent permission to talk to other teams about his market value, 国产外流网Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday.
By doing this, the Rams and Stafford can gain a better understanding of his worth, Rapoport added.
Stafford has a $49.7 million cap number in 2025, but the Rams can save $27 million by trading him as a post-June 1 transaction or $23 million by designating him a post-June 1 cut, per -- although doing either would also incur a sizable amount of dead money over the next two years.
Stafford, 37, plans to play during the 2025 season, but the question that has persisted is for what team.
Being allowed to speak to other clubs certainly nudges the door open that he'll suit up elsewhere, but for now the process is about gauging the market with the hope it results in a contract that has him return to L.A.
Before the 2024 season began, Stafford agreed to an adjusted contract with the Rams. Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 regular-season games. His play guided the Rams to a 10-7 record and an NFC West title. Los Angeles made some noise in the playoffs, beating the Minnesota Vikings in a wild-card game. Unfortunately, the Rams couldn't overcome the snowy conditions in the Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles, who went on to win Super Bowl LIX.
As for the Rams, the quarterback room will need improvement via free agency or the 2025 国产外流网Draft regardless of what transpires with Stafford. Backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo is set to be a free agent. Third-stringer Stetson Bennett has yet to play in a regular-season game since he was drafted in 2023 out of Georgia. The Rams, who hold the No. 26 overall pick in April's draft, are currently projected to have $44.4 million in .
If the Rams and Stafford did close the chapter of their book together in the near future, the quarterback would finish his four-year L.A. tenure with 14,700 passing yards, 95 touchdowns, 44 interceptions, a 95.2 QB rating and a 34-23 record, plus winning Super Bowl LVI and a Pro Bowl honor in 2023.
If he returns, he'll be keen to add more to the story.
