Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will turn 37 in February, sparking frequent speculation about his retirement and who might replace him with the Los Angeles Rams. However, in an unexpected turn, Stafford is now being predicted to join a rival NFC team—one that wasn’t the focus of earlier discussions.
While the Minnesota Vikings had been mentioned as a potential landing spot, a recent Bleacher Report feature on NFL quarterbacks’ futures suggests Stafford could end up elsewhere.
Former Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford Might Have One More Stop Before Retiring
In a November 27 Bleacher Report feature, NFL analyst Brad Gagnon predicts that Stafford will be “positioned similarly to New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr” as a potential free agent or trade candidate during the offseason.
“It’s not as if he’s fallen off a productivity cliff at 36, and he did lead the Rams to a Super Bowl just a few years ago,” Gagnon pointed out. However, Gagnon makes a bold prediction, suggesting that Stafford could end up with the Seattle Seahawks.
“The Giants, Raiders, and Titans may show interest if the Rams part ways with him, but Stafford could prefer joining a more competitive Seahawks team to close out his career,” Gagnon explained. “The Jets might be cautious about following the Aaron Rodgers route, and Seattle could view this as a prime opportunity to upgrade with their championship window still open.”
According to Spotrac, the Los Angeles Rams could save $27 million against the 2025 salary cap if they part ways with Stafford “as a post-June 1 release,” Gagnon points out. This could become a real possibility if the Rams decide the veteran is no longer a valuable asset at age 37.
Stafford would be replacing Geno Smith as the Seahawks’ quarterback. While Smith’s performance isn’t solely to blame for Seattle’s struggles, Gagnon highlights that the team could free up $25 million by releasing Smith during the offseason.
In Smith’s most recent game on December 1, the Seahawks defeated the New York Jets, with Smith throwing for 206 yards and a touchdown.
Gagnon also predicts that Geno Smith, along with Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, could end up with the New York Jets after this season.
Matthew Stafford Suffers Lateral Ankle Sprain
The Rams secured a 21-14 victory over the Saints on Sunday, but Stafford sustained a “minor” lateral ankle sprain during the game. Rams head coach Sean McVay reassured that the injury is not expected to affect Stafford’s preparation for Sunday’s crucial matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
“It’s nothing that’s going to change his weekly rhythm as far as practice,” McVay told reporters on Monday, adding that Stafford even ran during the Rams’ day-after lifting session. “He got banged up a little bit. He’s tough, he pushes through, and he should be good to go.”
Stafford sustained the injury during the second quarter of the New Orleans game. Although he appeared hurt and limped off the field, he didn’t leave the game and went on to throw two touchdowns in the second half.