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Giants 1-Time Trade Target Stafford Finalizes Massive Rams Move

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated May 5, 2025 3:00 PM ET

For a time the New York Giants became players in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. Unfortunately, that availability lasted for a short period of time.

The Los Angeles Rams and Stafford started the offseason at odds with regard to the parameters of a restructured contract. Stafford's camp then received permission to speak to other teams about the quarterback's value.

Stafford did just that with the New York Giants being one of two teams he spoke to in that process. Ultimately though, he and the Rams decided to work out terms on a deal to keep him in town.

NFL media's Ian Rapoport detailed the latest on those numbers Monday. According to Rapoport, Stafford will earn $44 million this season and could earn another $40 million if he is on the roster at the start of free agency next season.

If Mathew Stafford is on the #Rams roster next at the start of FA, he’ll lock in another $40M. Stafford was on the books for $58M over 2 years, now it's $84M over 2 years.

Coach Sean McVay recently told @AdamSchein of @MadDogUnleashed Radio, "I think he can play as long as he… https://t.co/gBeI69D8eQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2025

While there was some initial traction to Stafford joining the Giants, that avenue was more of a pipe dream than anything. The connection between Stafford and the Rams is a strong one. Pulling him away from that situation would take quite the feat.

Regardless, the Giants got busy on the quarterback market after that decision. That combined with their first-round pick of Jaxson Dart has them well positioned at quarterback for the coming years.

New York signed both Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston during free agency. Wilson is pegged in as QB1 for now though Winston gives them another veteran option if needed.

Neither Wilson nor Winston should have an extended timeline with the Giants, but may have some role in the development of Dart over the span of the next year.

Clearly, the Giants are not willing to throw Dart into the fire until he is ready, so he will soak in the information from two veterans ahead of him.

Stafford may have been a solid short-term option for the Giants had they gotten that far in their initial talks, but it seems both sides got what they wanted here and made the best decisions.

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

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