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A Matthew Stafford Trade Could Foil Patriots' Plans: Insider

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Davis | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 5:00 PM ET

While the New England Patriots don't need a new starting quarterback in 2025, a speculated trade involving Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could disrupt things come April.

New England owns the No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft, and the New York Giants, who pick third and need a quarterback, have recently been linked to Stafford in trade rumors. If that happens, it could create a negative "trickle-down effect" for the Patriots in the draft, according to insider Sean McGuire of NESN.

"The Giants wouldn’t need to select either quarterback Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders if they traded for Stafford," McGuire wrote. "Such a deal would allow New York to instead select a prospect like Travis Hunter, Abdul Carter or another ... the Patriots have their eye on — as long as they don’t trade No. 3 for Stafford."

It could also impact the Patriots' offseason outside of the draft, as McGuire noted, because Stafford's favorite target, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, is also a trade candidate. If Stafford goes to New York, Kupp could follow, though the Patriots have more salary cap space than the Giants.

Besides Hunter or Carter, other potential non-quarterbacks to watch for at No. 4 for the Patriots include Michigan defensive lineman Mason Graham and LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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