Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford could be the biggest domino of the offseason, with New York Jets QB Aaron Rodgers also in the mix. If the Rams decide to move on from Stafford, one possible replacement could be Rodgers.
The Jets announced on February 13 that they intend to part ways with Rodgers, and Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd speculated that the veteran quarterback might need a “third act” in his career—possibly with the Rams. Cowherd even suggested Los Angeles should trade Stafford to another New York team, the Giants.
Meanwhile Quarterback’s Albert Breer noted that Rodgers would likely be open to joining the Rams, though he spoke in a general sense rather than confirming any specific interest.
Cowherd’s speculation and Breer’s insights come as the Rams’ odds of landing Aaron Rodgers have improved significantly. According to DraftKings, Los Angeles’ odds of acquiring the four-time MVP shifted from +1000 on February 11 to +700 on February 13, moving from the seventh-best to the fifth-best among potential landing spots.
On The Herd on February 13, Cowherd shared that a longtime NFL executive told him the idea of the Rams moving on from Stafford “is not crazy.” He noted that while the team appreciates Stafford, they are growing tired of the ongoing quarterback discussions and the public comments made by his wife, Kelly Stafford. Additionally, Cowherd claimed the organization was frustrated when wide receiver Cooper Kupp spoke publicly about a situation they wanted to keep private, suggesting they might be looking to move on from both Kupp and Stafford.
“The Rams like Matt Stafford, but they don’t want to restructure his deal and give him a big contract,” Cowherd said.
As for Stafford’s next destination, Cowherd believes the New York Giants will make a move to acquire him.
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Cowherd also provided insight into what he’s hearing about the Rams’ asking price for Matthew Stafford in a potential trade.
“I’m told they [the Rams] want the Giants’ first-round pick at No. 3,” Cowherd said. “So they probably want a first, a second [or] a first, a third. But you’ve got to pay Stafford if you’re the Giants. You have to give him a new deal. They’ll probably get a first and a fourth.”
He explained that the Rams are targeting the No. 3 overall pick because they draft much later and would likely trade down to accumulate more picks. The goal, according to Cowherd, is to stockpile assets for next year when they may need to move up for a quarterback. If Stafford is traded, the Rams would likely seek a short-term bridge quarterback to hold them over for a season or two.
However, ESPN’s Adam Schefter quickly dismissed the idea that the Giants would be willing to meet the Rams’ steep asking price for Stafford.
Cowherd argued that Aaron Rodgers needs a fresh start after a turbulent few years, suggesting the Rams could be the perfect landing spot.
“Aaron needs a rehab,” Cowherd said. “The Packers got better without him, his image has taken a hit, and big advertisers aren’t interested. The Jets situation was a mess. He needs a rehab.”
He pointed out that Rodgers already owns a house in Malibu and has ties to the West Coast, making a move to Los Angeles logical. Additionally, playing in the NFC West—against Geno Smith, Kyler Murray, and Brock Purdy—could be an appealing opportunity.
“With the Rams, he’d get Sean McVay, an established offensive line, and an excellent young defense,” Cowherd continued. “Remember, Matt LaFleur’s brother is the OC with Sean McVay. Rodgers has been in that system before, so he already knows the scheme. I believe Aaron is craving infrastructure, stability, and a head coach he respects. The Rams offer organizational excellence.”
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Cowherd highlighted the struggles of immobile quarterbacks in the postseason, with Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions being the only exception. He also cautioned against investing too heavily in Aaron Rodgers.
“This sounds crazy, but the Matt Stafford-to-the-Giants thing is real. I am told the Rams like Matt Stafford, but he’s old,” Cowherd said.
He reiterated that the Rams are looking for an inexpensive, short-term quarterback option if they move on from Stafford.
“I’ll say this again: giving Aaron Rodgers the keys to the kingdom? I’m not interested in that. I know what his personality is,” Cowherd said. “But having Aaron come in as a one- or two-year rental/rehab? Absolutely.”
Cowherd highlighted the struggles of immobile quarterbacks in the postseason, with Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions being the only exception. He also cautioned against investing too heavily in Aaron Rodgers.
“This sounds crazy, but the Matt Stafford-to-the-Giants thing is real. I am told the Rams like Matt Stafford, but he’s old,” Cowherd said.
He reiterated that the Rams are looking for an inexpensive, short-term quarterback option if they move on from Stafford.
“I’ll say this again: giving Aaron Rodgers the keys to the kingdom? I’m not interested in that. I know what his personality is,” Cowherd said. “But having Aaron come in as a one- or two-year rental/rehab? Absolutely.”