The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford had a rough 2022 season, having one of the worst campaigns for a reigning Super Bowl champion in NFL history. While there were certainly some hiccups, some of them were outside of the team’s control. For example, the team suffered an absurd amount of injuries up and down the roster.
One of the players that didn’t remain healthy was Matthew Stafford. He underwent a procedure on his elbow in the offseason and was unable to get into a rhythm throughout the regular season.
There were some rumors that he would retire this offseason, but he has committed to playing in 2023. If the Rams have their way, it will be without Mathew Stafford being on the roster. As shared by JPA Football on Twitter, Los Angeles is actively looking to trade him this offseason.
Trading Matthew Stafford will be difficult given the injury-riddled 2022 season and his massive contract. But, there are plenty of teams that are desperate for a quarterback upgrade this offseason.
Who could show interest in the former No. 1 overall pick? Here are three teams who should look into trading for Matthew Stafford.
The Las Vegas Raiders decide to move on from Derek Carr earlier this offseason before his contract became guaranteed. Since this season could be a do-or-die one for head coach Josh McDaniels, there is a chance that the team looks to acquire a veteran to take over instead of turning things over to a rookie.
With Davante Adams, Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller still on the roster, and Josh Jacobs receiving the franchise tag, this is a team that can turn things around quickly. Relying on a rookie may not produce positive results right away, which could have the team leaning toward a veteran.
With ample cap space, the Raiders would be able to absorb the contract of Matthew Stafford rather easily. He showed during the 2021 season that when healthy, he is capable of helping a team win big. Las Vegas would be hoping he can recapture that success and would be able to use the No.7 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft on another position of need.
There may not be a team in the NFL as intent on landing a veteran quarterback this offseason as much as the New York Jets. They look ready to move on from Zach Wilson, as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has been a disappointment.
Owner Woody Johnson believes his team is a quarterback away from truly contending. They have been linked heavily to Aaron Rodgers and even went to visit the Green Bay Packers veteran this week.
If those talks fall apart, the Jets are in a tough spot. Pivoting to someone such as Matthew Stafford could make some sense. While not held in as high of regard as Rodgers, Matthew Stafford is four years younger and could provide the Jets with more stability at the position than going year-by-year with Rodgers.
The Washington Commanders have reportedly been telling people interviewing for positions with the team that they plan on making 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell their starting quarterback in 2023. That is certainly a risky plan, as this is a team on the cusp of making some noise in the NFC.
As the offseason wears on, they could come to the realization that a veteran quarterback is the way to go. It would take some maneuvering to fit Matthew Stafford into their salary cap, but it would be worthwhile.
Washington has great weapons in place offensively and the makings of an elite defense. Bringing in an established quarterback such as Matthew Stafford could be the missing piece to bring it all together.
