5 Matthew Stafford trade destinations (the Giants!) if the Rams can't sign him to a contract extension

NFL teams ready to compete for Super Bowls in the here and now don’t usually readily give up on their starting quarterbacks. That’s because, you know, jettisoning that quarterback often means prematurely closing your championship-contending window. It doesn’t make a ton of competitive sense.

But that apparently might happen for the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford this offseason.

As he begins his age-37 season in the NFL, Stafford reportedly wants a lucrative contract extension. Per Over The Cap, Stafford has a base salary of $23 million and just $4 million guaranteed in 2025. According to Spotrac, he technically ranks just 15th amongst all starting quarterbacks in 2025 salary. (Note: his current deal expires in 2026.)

Given that Stafford remains an elite player likely capable of elevating his team to a Lombardi Trophy, it’s only natural he wants one last monster NFL payday before he rides off into the sunset. And the Rams seem willing to work with Stafford … as long as his finances don’t decimate their fraught salary cap situation. If the two sides can’t come to an agreement that makes everyone happy, Stafford appears set to hit the trade market, where he should have no shortage of suitors willing to take one last plunge with him.

Let’s take a look at a few squads who may pursue Stafford if he becomes available.