The phrase “Will he stay or go” doesn't apply to Matthew Stafford this offseason.
With rumours continuing about the future of Rams quarterbacks at this week's NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis this week, ESPN's Adam Schefter speculated on Wednesday how the free agency market for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold would sway Stafford Domino.
“I think [the Vikings] I'm interested in Sam, but what is it for Sam, and there's another team that's more willing to pay Sam,” Shefater appeared on the “Pat McCuffy Show” on Wednesday.
“And now we're back at Matthew Stafford because Matthew Stafford is in LA and if he's in LA, the Raiders wouldn't get him. And if the Raiders didn't get him, I think the Raiders would be interested in Sam Darnold, but what if the Raiders got Matthew Stafford, and what happens to Sam Darnold, and one choice. So where can the tentacles of Stafford's situation reach and influence people like Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers.”
Darnold, the Jets' third pick in 2018, won the Renaissance in Minnesota last year under the guidance of Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, threw 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions throughout 17 regular season games.
The former USC star had Flounder, including a 27-9 wildcard playoff loss to Stafford and the Rams in Minnesota's final two games, but he is one of the free-agent quarterbacks that could be on the market.
The Vikings originally signed a one-year contract with 27-year-old Darnold last March and selected JJ McCarthy for the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCarthy has had surgery on Meniscus during training camp last summer and hopes to get a “fair” shot at his starting job in Minnesota.
Shefater reiterated Thursday that the Vikings' interest in Darnold is “a certain number.”
Stafford has been with the Rams since 2021 and won the Super Bowl in his first year with the team, but he has a certain number in mind at the $50 million ballpark.
“[The Rams and Stafford] Schlager spoke on “Good Morning Soccer” earlier this week.
“This is nothing personally. It's a money matter. Matthew Stafford wants to be paid for what he thinks is worth. He wants to be paid over $50 million.”
Stafford, Set with $49 million cap hits in mind 2025 has been linked to the Giants and Steelers this offseason.
On Tuesday, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported Raiders minority shareholder Tom Brady “We are in contact with the Stafford camp.” About potential movements.
That same day, Stafford officials met with Giants Brass at the Combine in Indianapolis, the Post confirmed.
Stafford was given permission by the Rams last week to talk to other teams.
He led Los Angeles to the division's round playoff berth this past season. The Rams were ruled by the final Super Bowl Champion Eagles in January.
The Giants and Raiders are desperately searching for answers at quarterback following their disastrous 3-14 and 4-13 campaigns, respectively.
The Steelers, who finished the year 10-7 after uneven plays from Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, are also expected to be in the Stafford mix.
41-year-old Rodgers also hits free agency as his breakup with the Jets is coming in two seasons.
