NFL rumors: 4 teams have interest in Matthew Stafford trade, including Steelers and Giants

Matthew Stafford, NFL rumors — Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams granted quarterback Matthew Stafford’s agent permission to speak with other clubs after the two sides failed to agree to terms on a contract extension. Now, multiple suitors have already expressed interest in acquiring the Super Bowl champion.

Stafford, age 37, is seeking a new deal that would make him one of the highest-paid NFL players. While he carries a $50 million cap hit in 2025, he’s receiving just $27 million in cash after restructuring his deal last offseason. The Pro Bowl quarterback and the Rams attempted to negotiate a long-term deal, but a significant gap remained between the two sides.

Matthew Stafford stats (ESPN): 3,762 passing yards, 20-8 TD-INT, 65.8% completion rate, 7.3 ypa, 93.7 QB rating

With Cooper Kupp already being floated in NFL rumors, as Los Angeles prepares to trade its All-Pro wideout in early March, his quarterback could follow him out the door. While Los Angeles would prefer to keep the centerpiece of Sean McVay’s offense, it’s already heard from multiple teams interested in a deal.

According to Sports Illustrated‘s Albert Breer, the New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns have all shown interest in trading for Stafford.

Matthew Stafford contract (Spotrac): $49.66 million cap hit in 2025, $53.66 million cap hit in 2026

Cleveland is the most surprising landing spot and given its salary-cap issues, trading for Stafford and extending him is highly unlikely. However, the Raiders, Steelers and Giants all have the financial flexibility to give Stafford a new multi-year deal.

Acquiring him is expected to cost a first-round pick, which complicates matters for the Raiders and Giants. New York (third overall pick) and Las Vegas (sixth overall pick) would likely require additional compensation, potentially the 26th overall pick from the Rams, to make a deal. Pittsburgh could be more willing to outright trade its first-round pick (21st overall).

If Stafford is traded, the Rams have already been linked to Sam Darnold and Kirk Cousins as potential replacements. Aaron Rodgers is also believed to be interested in playing for the Rams, though McVay could prefer Cousins or Stafford as better fits for his system and coaching style.