Matthew Stafford Was Nearly Traded - Now He’s Playing Like an MVP
The Los Angeles Rams walked into the 2025 offseason with more questions than answers at quarterback. Before Matthew Stafford’s back injury, before the contract rework, and well before he started lighting up defenses this season, the Rams were ready to move on.
Quietly, but seriously. They were willing to trade Stafford - and not just for a king’s ransom.
According to new details, they would’ve let him go for a first-round pick.
That’s right. A quarterback with a Super Bowl ring, elite arm talent, and a proven track record was nearly out the door.
All it would’ve taken was a first-rounder. But no one bit.
On a recent podcast, NFL insider Adam Schefter revealed that Rams GM Les Snead had drawn a clear line in the sand: a second-round pick was the minimum, but a first-rounder would’ve sealed the deal quickly. The Pittsburgh Steelers, New York Giants, and Las Vegas Raiders all showed interest. None of them were willing to meet the price.
Let’s pause there for a second.
The Rams were ready to hit the reset button. They had a contingency plan - reportedly targeting free agent Aaron Rodgers.
Stafford was available. And yet, nothing materialized.
No trade. No new quarterback.
Just a veteran staying put in L.A., quietly preparing for what’s turned into one of the best seasons of his career.
A Quarterback Reborn
Fast forward to Week 13, and Stafford’s numbers tell the story of a player with something to prove - and the ability to back it up. He’s completed nearly two-thirds of his passes for over 3,000 yards, 32 touchdowns, and just four interceptions.
That’s not just efficient - it’s surgical. His 111.7 passer rating?
A career high. His longest pass of the year - an 88-yard bomb - is also the longest of his career.
This isn’t just a quarterback playing well. This is a quarterback playing with purpose. After an offseason of uncertainty, Stafford has responded with one of the most locked-in performances we’ve seen from him since his Super Bowl-winning campaign.
And it’s not hard to see the fire behind it. When three teams pass on you - when your own team is ready to move on - that tends to light a spark.
Stafford didn’t just stay in L.A.; he doubled down. And the Rams are reaping the rewards.
What If?
It’s fair to wonder: What would the Giants, Steelers, or Raiders look like with Stafford under center right now? How different would their seasons be? And on the flip side, what would the Rams look like without him?
The alternate reality is hard to picture - especially with how integral Stafford has been to the Rams’ offense this year. That fallback plan involving Rodgers?
It never materialized. Instead, Los Angeles stuck with the guy they already had.
And now, they’re watching him play some of the best football of his 15-year career.
It’s not the first time the Rams have shopped a veteran. They moved Jalen Ramsey to Miami for a modest return, and they’ve shown a pattern of making calculated moves - often sending players to destinations they’re comfortable with. But in this case, the move they didn’t make might be the one that defines their season.
Staying Put, Staying Hungry
Stafford’s decision to stay, and the Rams’ decision to hold firm on their trade demands, now look like strokes of brilliance. There’s a sense of mutual belief here - the kind that’s rare in today’s NFL, where quarterbacks are often the first to go when things get rocky.
And now, Stafford’s not just playing well - he’s in the thick of the MVP conversation. More importantly, he’s got the Rams firmly in the playoff hunt, with a real shot at chasing another Super Bowl.
For a guy who’s seen the highs and lows of this league, from Detroit heartbreak to Los Angeles glory, this season feels like a personal renaissance. He’s healthy, locked in, and leading with the kind of poise that only comes from experience - and maybe a little offseason doubt.
The Best Move Was No Move at All
Les Snead has made some bold moves during his time in L.A. But in 2025, his most impactful decision might’ve been the one he didn’t make. Keeping Stafford - even when it seemed like the team was ready to move on - has turned into a season-defining call.
The Rams bet on continuity. They bet on a veteran with something left in the tank. And so far, that bet is paying off in a big way.
Stafford’s not just proving he still belongs - he’s reminding everyone why he was worth the price in the first place.