Sean McVay reveals Aaron Rodgers was ‘possibility’ if Rams traded Matthew Stafford

Last week, at long last, the Aaron Rodgers pursuit ended. He signed a one-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, hopefully solidifying the position this year.

However, another team considered pursuing the former New York Jets quarterback in free agency. Sean McVay said the Los Angeles Rams saw Rodgers as a “possibility” if the franchise traded Matthew Stafford.

Rumors swirled about Stafford’s future in Los Angeles as he sought a new contract. The Las Vegas Raiders were reportedly an option, but the Rams ultimately helped make a deal come together – keeping Stafford in place at quarterback. But McVay said Rodgers would have been a potential pivot if Stafford left.

“Our first priority – which was consistently communicated – was, ‘Hey, let’s work out something with Matthew,’ and we were very fortunate that it worked out that way,” McVay told Kyle Brandt on Good Morning Football. “If that wasn’t able to occur, then that was definitely conversations and a possibility for us. I have a ton of respect for the body of work. I’ve gotten to know Aaron and really enjoy the conversations and just the approach, the way that he thinks about the game and in life. That was a possibility. But our first priority was always to be able to get Matthew back.

“And what I do feel really fortunate about is I think we’re closer than ever and I think sometimes when you’re able to have real conversations, I think you can appreciate the love that’s been built up, but also the ability to be honest with one another. I’m really glad that worked out. I know that there’s a lot of people in Pittsburgh that are really excited that’s finally come to fruition. I’m a big fan of his.”

As the two sides worked toward a deal, the Rams gave Matthew Stafford’s agents permission to speak with other teams about a potential trade. Although chatter grew around the Raiders, Stafford ultimately re-signed on a two-year, $84 million contract to remain in Los Angeles.

Stafford threw for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns this past season as the Rams rattled off a run to the postseason. It was another strong follow-up for the former No. 1 overall pick after he made his second career Pro Bowl in 2023.

Aaron Rodgers, meanwhile, signed a one-year deal worth $13.65 million and $10 million guaranteed. However, he has incentives in the deal that could take it up to $19.5 million.

Rodgers spent the last two years with the New York Jets after coming over from the Green Bay Packers, though his first season in New York ended on his first drive due to an Achilles injury. He threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2024, marking two straight full seasons with at least 10 picks.