Matthew Stafford Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

If Matthew Stafford is on the trade block, you won’t hear Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead admit it.

Snead held a conference call with the media on Thursday, during which time he discussed -- among other items -- Stafford’s status with the team and the quarterback's future in Los Angeles.

“I think we’ll definitely rely on Matthew, he’s definitely one of our pillars,” said Snead. “He’s definitely someone we’re going to rely on, (who) we’re gonna have to rely on as we do remodel this.”

Snead said the team would build around Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald. He omitted Jalen Ramsey when discussed the team’s pillars, which suggest the cornerback could be a trade candidate, something which has been widely speculated on around the NFL.

The rumors surrounding Stafford kicked into high gear earlier in the day after a reporter passed along that per sources, the Rams have been calling teams in an effort to potentially move the signal-caller. Stafford is still guaranteed $57 million on his contract and is recovering from a spinal cord injury that ended his season after nine games last year.

The 35-year-old Stafford has repeatedly indicated that he does not plan on retiring before the coming season.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Unlikely hero helps Rangers steal Game 3 over Panthers
Angels slugger suffers what might be baseball's most bizarre injury of 2024 season
Watch: Unlikely Rangers playoff hero nets two goals vs. Panthers
Celtics put Kristaps Porzingis' return from injury on hold
Watch: Panthers' Sam Reinhart nets two goals in first period vs. Rangers
Watch: Big crash ensues on Lap 1 of 2024 Indianapolis 500
Red Sox release well-traveled right-hander
Braves slugger, four-time All-Star leaves game due to knee soreness
Anthony Edwards makes declaration ahead of Game 3 against Mavericks
Watch: Matt Vierling's walk-off HR caps wild game in Detroit
Report: Star Japanese pitcher could move to MLB next year
Royals return Rule 5 pick to Yankees
Sixers viewed as a 'serious danger' to snatch core Nuggets role player
NFL reporter reveals why CeeDee Lamb isn't rushing to sign new contract
Diamondbacks designate struggling right-hander for assignment
Report: 76ers believe this eight-time All-Star would be 'ideal fit'
Pelicans expected to promote from within for GM role
Watch: Massive wreck on first lap delays Monaco Grand Prix
Grayson Murray's parents release heartbreaking statement on cause of death
Rangers designate right-hander for assignment

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.