Matthew Stafford  of the Los Angeles Rams talks with head coach Sean McVay before a game against the Arizona Cardinals.

Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 through one of the biggest trades in recent NFL history.

Now, it seems it would take another major deal to move him out of L.A.

Speculation surrounding Stafford’s future with the Rams has intensified. The team placed All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the trade block, leading many insiders to believe Stafford could also be available. However, Fox Sports insider Jordan Schultz reported this week that the Rams plan to keep Stafford—unless a team offers a hefty price.

Rams Head Coach Wants Matthew Stafford to Stay

Schultz shared that league sources are “adamant” Rams head coach Sean McVay and the organization want the 37-year-old Stafford to remain in Los Angeles. It was McVay who led the 2021 trade that sent Jared Goff to Detroit and brought Stafford to L.A., a move that paid off when Stafford guided the Rams to a Super Bowl victory the following season.

Several teams have asked about Stafford’s availability, according to Schultz, but the Rams are demanding a first-round pick. Since other veteran quarterbacks might come at a lower cost, Schultz predicted Stafford would still be with the Rams in 2025.

“The Rams want him back (releasing him carries a $49.3 million cap hit), and nothing so far suggests Stafford wants out. Still, this remains a major storyline as free agency approaches next month. Before then, the Rams and Stafford’s agent plan to meet in Indianapolis to see if they can reach an agreement,” Schultz reported.

Rams Face Decision on Paying Matthew Stafford

Schultz added that Stafford is seeking a new deal if he stays in Los Angeles, which would require a significant investment.

“Keep in mind, trading Stafford would result in a $45.3 million dead cap hit in 2025 and nearly $23 million in 2026,” Schultz explained. “Stafford, currently set to earn under $30 million this season, wants a new contract with future guarantees, bringing his salary closer to the league’s top 10 quarterbacks.”

Though contract talks are expected, The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue reported the Rams are hesitant to make a major financial commitment to a 37-year-old quarterback with uncertain long-term durability.

“If there’s a sticking point between Stafford and the Rams, it’s likely this: the Rams don’t want to heavily invest in a veteran quarterback with an uncertain future, especially with their youthful, draft-built core now shaping their identity,” Rodrigue wrote.

Still, Rodrigue noted that the Rams have quickly rebuilt their roster since their Super Bowl run, transitioning from aging veterans to promising young stars. Stafford could be the ideal leader for another championship push.

“There are two key points: the Rams eventually need a long-term quarterback who can grow with the roster and won’t limit future extensions for their young stars,” Rodrigue added. “But at the same time, their current roster is ready to compete sooner than expected, so why not bring back their elite quarterback for another run?”