Matthew Stafford, the former Detroit Lions and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback, is the focus of a major trade proposal.

Despite spending time with the Los Angeles Rams since 2021, Stafford still holds affection for Detroit.

He demonstrated this by gifting an autographed jersey to a Lions fan, who sold it to attend the Lions’ playoff game against the Washington Commanders. However, Stafford is expected to continue playing in the NFL for at least another season.

It’s now speculated that Stafford may eventually be replaced by a quarterback who boasts significant starting experience but hasn’t yet reached his full potential.
In a January 28 feature, CBS Sports NFL analyst Cody Benjamin presented a list of blockbuster quarterback trades for the upcoming offseason.

While some teams might turn to college quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the draft class is not considered strong in terms of quarterbacks, making it likely that veteran quarterbacks could be traded during the offseason.

Benjamin points out that several high-profile quarterbacks are set to become free agents in March, and many others could be available via trade. He predicts 17 quarterbacks might be swapped with new teams.

For the Rams, Benjamin suggests that former New York Giants and current Minnesota Vikings quarterback Daniel Jones could be traded to eventually replace Stafford. While Benjamin doesn’t foresee Jones taking over immediately, he believes Rams head coach Sean McVay will be eager to work with Jones.

“Matthew Stafford is the unquestioned starter if he returns, but he’s nearing 37,” Benjamin writes. “McVay will want a younger quarterback to develop and has a history of embracing reclamation projects.”

Despite turning 37 in February, Stafford doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. Stafford could remain with the Rams or possibly move elsewhere, though a deal with the Rams still needs to be finalized.

From The Insiders in Mobile: “Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out,” Rapoport posted on January 29.
Stafford echoed this sentiment after the Rams’ playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

In his postgame press conference, he mentioned taking time to consider retirement, stating, “I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball.”

When asked if he still had football left in him, Stafford confidently responded, “Sure feels like it.”
Stafford secured an adjusted contract with the Rams last summer, and his cap hit stands at $49.66 million.

In Benjamin’s article, no mention is made of any potential quarterback trade involving the Detroit Lions. While Jared Goff is untouchable, there has been some speculation around backup quarterback Hendon Hooker being traded.
However, in a February 2 article for Sports Illustrated, John Maakaron dispels that possibility.

“Those close to Hooker expect him to stay in Detroit and continue developing,” Maakaron wrote, adding, “New offensive coordinator John Morton is very interested in the quarterbacks on the Lions’ roster, including Hooker.”