The Los Angeles Rams have not met expectations by their first 5 video games, going 1-4. Will they offer up on the season and ship quarterback Matthew Stafford elsewhere?
Of their Wednesday column, ESPN NFL reporters Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano did not rule out the chance.
“Undoubtedly. The Rams have checked out Stafford’s future as a year-to-year proposition. His reworked contract final offseason displays that, pushing his pay into the $40M vary however lessening his ensures in 2025, primarily permitting either side to determine whether or not they wish to keep married at that time,” wrote Fowler. “It is a state of affairs to look at intently, as a result of neither workforce nor participant appears to know the way or when it should finish. Stafford is 36 and has handled accidents not too long ago. Does he wish to play after this season?”
Stafford suffered a season-ending backbone damage in 2022 and handled a proper thumb concern final season. On Monday, Rams head coach Sean McVay advised the media he has again soreness following a 24-19 Week 5 loss to the Inexperienced Bay Packers.
Regardless of Stafford’s sturdiness questions, groups would nonetheless have an interest within the Tremendous Bowl champion if he grew to become out there. In 16 seasons with the Rams and Detroit Lions, he has 57,285 passing yards, the tenth most in NFL historical past.
Fowler talked about it is unclear which groups would need Stafford, however the Las Vegas Raiders (2-3) have a transparent want at QB. On Wednesday, Vegas benched QB Gardner Minshew in favor of Aidan O’Connell, who has a 5-5 beginning file in two seasons.
The Rams is probably not able to enter rebuilding mode, and so they may nonetheless overcome the sluggish begin. Final season, they went 3-6 of their first 9 video games however gained seven of their final eight, making the playoffs.
L.A. may make one other run when star vast receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee) return.
If the Rams hold dropping, that would improve the possibility Stafford will get traded earlier than the deadline on Nov. 5. In free company, they signed former San Francisco 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo, who may function a stop-gap.
Though Stafford is considered one of its greatest stars, his future with the franchise appears unsure.
