Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is at the center of “shocking” trade discussions regarding the future of the Los Angeles Rams.

Stafford’s name has frequently emerged in conversations ahead of the NFL trade deadline on November 5, and that trend continues.

Currently, there’s a “shocking” trade proposal suggesting Stafford mentor a promising quarterback to eventually succeed him.

Benched Quarterback Could Replace Matthew Stafford

There is discontent within the Carolina Panthers regarding the situation with Bryce Young, the former first-round pick who has been benched. Young likely seeks another chance to play, while the Panthers are eager for a fresh start.

“There’s no denying Bryce Young has had one of the worst beginnings for a young quarterback in NFL history. But if anyone can help fix the struggling Panthers quarterback, it might be Sean McVay,” wrote NFL analyst Dallas Robinson in an October 29 piece.

Robinson emphasizes that the Rams will need a successor for Stafford, who is performing well in 2024 but will turn 37 in February.

“While Young hasn’t lived up to his No. 1 draft status, he could gain valuable experience working behind Stafford in L.A.,” Robinson added.

He also highlights that Young could be a cost-effective option, as the Rams would only need to pay him “backup quarterback money” because “Carolina would absorb Young’s prorated bonus as dead money.” This would keep Young under contract through 2026 for about $11 million.

“Four unidentified teams have reportedly inquired about Young’s availability after his benching ahead of Week 3,” Robinson noted. “The Panthers insist they won’t trade Young, but teams interested in a potential star quarterback could make compelling offers before the deadline. Carolina is likely headed towards drafting another quarterback early next year, so they may look to move Young in the offseason if he isn’t traded soon.”

‘Young Could Benefit from a Fresh Start’

In a November 1 article discussing the potential trade, Ezekiel Trezevant of Sports Illustrated refers to the deal as a “shocking blockbuster trade.”

Despite its “shocking” nature, Trezevant supports the idea.

“Young could benefit from a fresh start, and the Rams need a quarterback to learn from veteran Matthew Stafford and step in when he moves on,” he noted. “Providing Young the opportunity to learn from a quarterback like Stafford is wise and should be considered by the Rams. This move likely wouldn’t be costly and could yield significant benefits down the line.”

Trezevant also argues that bringing Young to the Rams could present him with opportunities he missed due to the Panthers’ organizational issues.

“Talented quarterbacks are not easy to find in the NFL. Yet, due to the Panthers’ failures, Young may seem more available than he actually is,” he remarked. “The Rams should definitely explore what it would take to acquire Young, given their situation is far better than that of the Panthers.”