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The Rams Seem To Be Open To Blockbuster Matthew Stafford Trade

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jan 26, 2025 10:34 AM ET

Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead stayed vague when asked about Matthew Stafford's future with the organization.

Stafford completed his 16th NFL season (fourth with the Rams) playing through cracked ribs. He threw four touchdowns with a 105.0 quarterback rating in two playoff games, but the Philadelphia Eagles eliminated Los Angeles in the NFC Divisional Round.

Although Stafford told reporters after the game that he'll consider his future plans, he said he "sure feels like" he has more left in the tank. Yet even if he keeps playing, the Rams could consider starting fresh from a quarterback who turns 37 in February.

On Friday, Snead held a Zoom conference with reporters. When asked if Stafford would play for the Rams next season if he doesn't retire, the GM said they'll "circle back" after taking time to decompress from their postseason loss.

"He still has years with us, so he's still a Ram," Snead said of Stafford. "I know this: We'll sit down with all parties to work through that portion of it when we get to that ... But that's something that's going to be a big line item."

Four years ago, the Rams acquired Stafford from the Detroit Lions early in the offseason. Snead wouldn't act with the same urgency to pursue another quarterback trade.

"It'll take someone calling or us reaching out if we want to do that," he said (h/t Pro Football Talk). "Those are the things that’ll be determined down the road here."

Cooper Kupp's future could also be in question. The 31-year-old wide receiver has two years left on his deal with a $29.8 cap hit in 2025. Snead kept his options open before the front office dives into offseason deliberations.

"We're talking about a subset of players -- not just Matthew and Cooper -- that are coming to the end of their career and their contracts. They still have contracts with the Rams," Snead said. "Do you keep going forward with that same contract? Do you restructure it in some way? For many reasons, those are all issues we really have to sit down and talk through. We haven't done it yet."

Earlier in the call, Snead expressed gratitude for all Stafford and Kupp have done for the organization. The Rams won the Super Bowl title in Stafford's first season with the team.

"I don't think I could even put into words what they've meant for this organization," Snead said. "... There's a banner hanging in that stadium that only one team gets a year. What can I say about that? That moment's in a lot of memories, in a lot of pictures. That's what they mean to us."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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