The situation between the Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford is getting more complex. Recently, Tom Pelissero from NFL Media shared that the Rams have allowed Stafford’s agent to talk to other teams. This is quite unusual and often seen as tampering, but in this case, it could be beneficial.
By encouraging Stafford to explore his options, the Rams are essentially helping him gauge his market value. The underlying reason might be to set the stage for a potential trade. But, there’s a catch. Any new team signing Stafford has to balance offering him a competitive salary while also meeting the Rams’ trade demands. If the Rams ask for too much, it could hurt Stafford’s financial prospects.
This situation makes it tough for Stafford’s team to find out his true market value. Unless he gets released (which seems unlikely), he won’t have the chance to choose from the best offers available.
On one side, allowing Stafford to speak with other teams shows that the Rams might be confident he’ll see that staying put is his best option. On the flip side, it also highlights an ongoing feeling that the Rams are seeking a smooth exit from their current situation with him.
To plan for what’s next, the Rams need to have a solid strategy for replacing Stafford. If they were to trade him for an older quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, it might not pay off right away. However, if Rodgers is open to a more affordable deal to join a winning team, it could ultimately work in the Rams’ favor financially.