By Dianna Russini, Jourdan Rodrigue, Dan Duggan, Tashan Reed, and Vic Tafur
INDIANAPOLIS — Tensions are rising as the Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is in talks with two interested teams: the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Both teams are keen on Stafford and have presented him with lucrative two-year contracts, offering between $90 million and $100 million guaranteed. A decision is expected soon, especially with Stafford slated to meet with Rams officials in Los Angeles this Friday.
The Rams are still considering keeping Stafford on their roster. The two sides have been in constant communication about possible options.
This month, the Rams allowed Stafford’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, to talk to other teams about contracts. This process is ongoing during this week’s NFL Scouting Combine.
The Giants recently met with Sexton and have expressed their need for a veteran quarterback, especially since they currently don’t have one on the roster. Although they’re expected to keep exclusive rights free agent Tommy DeVito, they have made it clear they aim to add a seasoned QB, regardless of their draft plans in April. They hold the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft.
Stafford is their top choice so far. When asked about him, Giants general manager Joe Schoen referred all comments back to the Rams.
The Raiders are also strongly pursuing Stafford and have the financial resources to compete with the Giants. They boast the second-most cap space in the NFL and hold the No. 6 draft pick.
Interestingly, Stafford and Raiders minority owner Tom Brady recently had an unexpected chat at a ski resort in Montana, though details on their conversation remain unclear.
Some members of the Raiders’ coaching staff prefer adding a skilled veteran quarterback rather than taking a chance on a rookie. With concerns about the depth of the upcoming draft class for QBs, the Raiders might not find the talent they’re seeking later in the draft.
If the Raiders miss out on Stafford, it’s unlikely they’ll make a big financial move for another veteran QB. They currently have Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Carter Bradley on their roster, but none of them have established themselves as reliable starters. Minshew may be released, leaving the team needing to fill the quarterback role.
Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay have hinted about being proactive this offseason regarding the quarterback position. McVay stated they won’t wait too long to make substantial moves: “We’re going for it.”
The Rams prefer to keep things flexible with Stafford’s contract, typically negotiating annual salaries between $40 million and $45 million. His current contract extension, signed after winning the Super Bowl with the Rams, makes him one of the higher-paid QBs but also leaves questions moving forward. His cap hit for 2025 sits at a hefty $49.7 million, which makes keeping him under the current contract challenging.
If the Rams do decide to part ways with Stafford, they have other options, like last season’s backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has familiarity with McVay’s system. The Rams had previously shown interest in Aaron Rodgers, who may soon be available as he part ways with the Jets. They have also brought in Alex Van Pelt, a coach with ties to Rodgers, as a senior offensive assistant.
(Photo: Mike Lawrence / Getty Images)
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New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Rams, NFL
