Nearly four years after his trade from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams, quarterback Matthew Stafford might be on the verge of another major move.

The Rams have allowed Stafford to discuss a potential trade with other teams, and the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as a leading contender for the veteran quarterback. Stafford met with Raiders minority owner Tom Brady, a meeting that sparked controversy and prompted the NFL to issue a statement this week.

Vincent Bonsignore from the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the Raiders have been actively pursuing Stafford, with Brady playing a central role in the recruitment process.

“The Raiders have emerged as a possible destination for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was granted permission by the Rams to explore trade opportunities with other teams,” Bonsignore wrote.

“Raiders minority owner Tom Brady has been in touch with Stafford’s representatives about the possibility of the 37-year-old quarterback joining the team, according to multiple NFL sources.”

This led to speculation that the Raiders might be tampering with Stafford, who is still under contract with the Rams. However, the NFL clarified that Stafford had received explicit permission from the Rams to speak to other teams.

“There’s no issue here,” an NFL spokesperson told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “The Rams gave the player and his agent permission to speak to the Raiders.”

Although the Raiders did not publicly announce their interest in Stafford, general manager John Spytek emphasized that the team was looking to improve its roster.

“I don’t want to discuss other teams’ players and risk trouble during my first press conference here,” Spytek said. “But I’ll just say that if any player can help the Raiders, we’ll explore that opportunity.”

The Raiders struggled with their quarterback play last season, as veteran Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell both faced injuries and inconsistent performances. With no clear direction at quarterback, Stafford is seen as a potential solution for a team hoping to make a playoff push.

While it’s unclear whether the Rams would trade Stafford, speculation is already swirling about a possible replacement. Pat Leonard of the New York Daily News reported that Aaron Rodgers is interested in moving from New York to Los Angeles after being released by the Jets.

“Sources tell the Daily News that Rodgers, 41, would prefer playing for the Rams, and the veteran quarterback would bring Davante Adams with him once Adams becomes a free agent,” Leonard reported.

“In this scenario, the Rams could trade Stafford and receiver Cooper Kupp for assets, while adding Rodgers and Adams to a Sean McVay offense alongside No. 1 wide receiver Puka Nacua and running back Kyren Williams.”