Rams exec responds to rumor that team tried to trade Matthew Stafford

"I know there are reports that we tried to trade Matthew. We were not actively trying to trade Matthew," Rams COO Kevin Demoff said Tuesday on The Athletic's "11 Personnel" podcast. "We value Matthew highly."

Speculation about Stafford and Los Angeles arose after former NFL GM Michael Lombardi said the Rams "attempted to trade him with a lot of effort" earlier this offseason during a recent appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show."

It would make sense if Los Angeles wanted to move on from Stafford. The 35-year-old went 3-6 as a starter last season, threw a career-low 10 TDs and suffered a spinal cord contusion in a Week 11 loss against the Saints. Per OverTheCap, his 2023 cap number is $20M. Trading him would save $31M.

However, Demhoff explained the Rams would have to receive a mind-blowing offer because they still feel the QB is a valuable piece for the organization.

"He is a pillar; we value him highly," Demoff said. "Now again, if someone did come in offering a ridiculous trade package, I think you would owe it to your organization to listen the same way you would anyone."

Stafford threw 41 TDs during the 2021-22 season, leading the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory. Dan Greenspan of ESPN reported he was a full participant during OTAs and mini-camp, so he could rebound since he's healthy.

Nonetheless, if the Rams, who went 5-12 last season, have another losing season, they must rebuild and reevaluate their future with Stafford.