“I just don’t see it.”
What’s real, and is just fodder for bloggers, podcasters and TV talking heads during the NFL offseason when it comes to Matthew Stafford, the New York Giants, and the Los Angeles Rams?
Erin Coscarelli, co-host of the Bleav in Rams podcast, joined the ‘Valentine’s Views’ podcast on Thursday to help us separate fact from fiction.
What is happening between the Rams and Stafford?
The Rams have a young team with an old quarterback? Do they want to serve the future, or live in the present?
“I think it’s time for the Rams to be serious about what this team’s identity is,” Coscarelli said. “And what this team’s identity was this past season was young infused with old. Matthew Stafford’s 37 years old, and don’t get me wrong, he can still sling it, but they have to be realistic about it.
“So, what does the future look like? Are they going to find a bridge quarterback? Maybe trade Stafford?
Stafford wants to be shown the money
Stafford does have a contract through 2026 with $49 million in base salary over those two years. There is, though, only $4 million in guaranteed money. That is an average $24.5 million annually. There are more than 15 quarterbacks earning an annual salary above that figure, and the sides have been expected to revisit that.
“I think he wants as he’s getting older some metrics in place that show up in a more guaranteed profile for his contract,” Coscarelli said. “But, the Rams have to be smart about this. They have to realize that Stafford has a year or two years. Do they want to get draft capital for him now while his value is relatively high? Maybe. Time will tell.”
Is this a good idea for the Giants?
If the Giants have a legitimate chance to pull off a Stafford trade, they still have to decide whether or not they should.
“Let’s say the Giants trade for Matthew Stafford. Well, the Jets experiment didn’t really work out very well … I’m not saying [Aaron] Rodgers is what Stafford is, but do I think the Giants are a Stafford away from a championship? No, not really. So, I don’t think it makes a whole lot of sense, but I think the Rams are always going to listen if a deal is put in front of them,” Coscarelli said.
“Maybe they’ll be all ears. I just don’t think it’s going to end up happening with the Giants, and I don’t even know if Giants fans actually want that.”
Does Stafford want to go anywhere?
Coscarelli does not believe that to be the case.
“All signs point to the fact that he wants to stay in LA. I think he has four kids,” Coscarelli said. “Of course you want to protect your future … like what happened with Saquon [Barkley], I’m sorry, you’re a player, you’re taking hits, you’ve got to go where maybe the money is the most favorable.
Coscarelli thinks Stafford is eyeing his place in football history.
“Stafford’s already won a Super Bowl ring. I think he’s looking at that Hall of Fame. I think he wants to get one more, and like you mentioned, they just came off an NFC West title, they hung in there with the Eagles. They gave the Eagles more fits than the Chiefs, obviously, it was a much closer game,” Coscarelli said.
“Stafford’s going to make an interesting decision. I personally, and from what I hear, he’s going to stay in Los Angeles, but I think at this point they’ve all got to protect themselves.”
Would Stafford want New York?
The Giants were 3-14 in 2024, and are 9-25 the past two seasons. GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll have tenuous holds on their jobs. The Giants’ offensive line is always a question mark. The media can eat players alive if they aren’t successful.
On the other side, being in the New York market can do wonders for a successful player’s post-playing career opportunities.
Would Stafford want to deal with New York, and the fact that the on-field product might resemble a lot of the ones he was part of with the Detroit Lions in the bad old days?
“I was always surprised why Aaron Rodgers went head-on with the New York media,” Coscarelli said. “I grew up here in LA … it’s a different vibe. New Yorkers, they want results. They expect results. I just can’t picture Stafford, from Detroit, then LA, then trying to face off against a New York media where I think he would be in over his head.”
The state of the Giants. Family. A chance at another ring. The potential of putting himself in Hall of Fame consideration. Even the weather. All reasons for Stafford to stay where he is.
“The Giants are not a Stafford away from all their problems being solved. Would he want what ended up happening to Aaron Rodgers? I don’t think so. I really don’t,” Conscarelli said.
“Let’s just talk about the weather. It’s cold in New York. LA you’ve got the beach, and you’ve got sunshine and he’s got four daughters that are in school here. Sure, money talks, but I bet you he’d be willing to figure it out to stay here in LA and bring some play-makers alongside.
“I just don’t see it.”