LA Rams tried ‘with a lot of effort’ to trade Matthew Stafford this offseason, claims NFL insider

The Los Angeles Rams reportedly tried to trade starting quarterback Matthew Stafford earlier this offseason, before paying his $59 million in bonuses, according to former NFL executive Michael Lombardi.

However, the Rams’ general manager Les Snead was seemingly unsuccessful as the 2022 Super Bowl champion picked up their signal caller’s 2023 option bonus and 2024 salary.

‘When his option bonus was getting ready to kick in, they attempted, with a lot of effort, to trade him—any team could have had him,’ Lombardi said on The Pat McAfee Show. 

‘The problem was, you had to absorb the $59 million, and the Rams knew there was no way around the $59 million. They couldn’t get around it unless they traded him and somebody else took it.’ 

Stafford is currently under contract until 2026 after he signed a four-year contract extension worth $160 million last year. 

NFL insider Michael Lombardi has claimed the LA Rams tried to trade QB Matthew Stafford 

Stafford was due $59 million in bonuses earlier this offseason that LA hoped to avoid paying

He played in nine games last season and dealt with lingering issues before being shut down

The 35-year-old QB struggled last season after dealing with a lingering elbow issue and eventually being shut down for the season following a spinal contusion.

He recorded 2,087 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions as the team limped 3-6 record through his nine starts.

Stafford’s numbers were a far cry from his numbers the previous season that saw him lead the Rams to a Super Bowl Trophy after throwing for 4,886 yards, 41 TDs, and 17 ints.

He is reportedly back to full health and looking to steer the team back to playing important games late in the season after LA missed the playoffs and looked like a team that was set for a rebuild. 

‘There will be no limitations,’ Rams head coach Sean McVay said, according to Sports Illustrated. ‘He’ll be ready to roll.’

‘Last year there was such a unique combination and collaboration of things that prevented him from being able to play the way that he’s capable of. 

‘So, I think there’s a lot of guys on our team that will have a renewed sense of urgency. He’s certainly one of those guys and we’re a lot better football team with him going.’ 

Follow MailSport on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@mailsport