Imagine Matthew Stafford slinging passes for the New York Giants or threading needles in Las Vegas with the Raiders-those scenarios nearly became reality this offseason. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback, with a resume that boasts 57,608 career passing yards, 368 touchdowns, and a Lombardi Trophy from 2021 with the Los Angeles Rams, was a hot commodity after a rollercoaster 2024.
At 37, he’s still got elite arm talent-his 3,762 yards and 20 TDs last season, despite cracked ribs, earned him a 92.2 PFF grade and kept the Rams atop the NFC West at 10-7. But with his contract nearing its end, Stafford could’ve landed elsewhere. Instead, he’s staying put in LA after the Giants’ aggressive pursuit fell short.
The offseason drama kicked into gear post-Rams’ playoff exit against the Eagles on January. Stafford’s deal, signed in 2022 and running through 2026, had just $4 million guaranteed left-not ideal for a guy who’s thrown for over 4,000 yards in eight seasons and led Detroit to relevance before his LA glory. The Rams let him explore options, and boy, did teams pounce.
The Giants, reeling from a 3-14 dumpster fire, reportedly offered a two-year, $90-$100 million deal loaded with guarantees, per The Athletic. The Raiders joined the fray too, with a similar package and a personal pitch from Tom Brady in Montana. Even the Chicago Bears peeked in, eyeing Stafford as a veteran boost.
Why Stafford chose Rams over Giants’ $100M pursuit
But today, the Rams and Stafford shut it all down. ESPN’s Adam Schefter broke the news: “The Rams and Matthew Stafford reached agreement today… quashing all trade speculation.” The reworked contract keeps him in LA, though details hint it’s less than the Giants’ monster offer, per Ian Rapoport.
Why stay? The Rams are still contenders-Stafford nearly upset Philly in the playoffs, and Coach Sean McVay gushed on Fitz and Whit, “There’s no discrepancy on us wanting him to continue to lead the way.” Plus, LA’s home-Stafford’s wife Kelly loves it, and his four kids are settled.
Giants fans dreamed of Stafford reviving their offense with that No. 3 draft pick in tow, but their rebuild didn’t match his win-now vibe. X lit up with reactions-Rams fans cheered, one posting, “Stafford stays-best team, best spot,” while Giants diehards sighed. For LA, it’s QB stability; for New York, it’s back to square one.
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