From Detroit to Los Angeles, the 2009 NFL Draft‘s first-overall pick has displayed a level of grit and arm talent that’s been rivaled by few. So much so that the arm talent Matthew Stafford possesses will go down as one of the best in National Football League history. Shockingly, the 36-year-old has earned only two trips to the Pro Bowl throughout his 16-year career. However, he has achieved the best feat of all; winning the Super Bowl. That’s something the Raiders haven’t done in 40 years, although Pete Carroll lifted the Lombardi Trophy a decade ago.
As things stand, there appears to be trouble in paradise within the Rams organization. It has been well documented that Cooper Kupp will be traded, as per the team’s desires, but the Stafford family may not be in agreement. Losing a decorated receiver of Kupp’s stature could change everything.
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Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly, alludes to the possibility her husband may wish to move onto the next chapter of his career. “My husband wants to win,” Kelly Stafford said. “I love an adventure.”
With the Raiders needing a savior at quarterback, could the Rams’ current signal caller be their answer?
What would it cost the Raiders to acquire Matthew Stafford?
League insider Jordan Schultz reports Los Angeles’ asking price is one first-round pick. Additionally, Schultz explained that there is a massive dead cap hit in store for the Rams upon trading the veteran. If No. 9 does indeed wish to start anew elsewhere, it’s back to the drawing board for Sean McVay’s club.
The asking price of a first-round selection is one that at least merits consideration from the Raiders. There are not many quarterbacks better than Stafford on the planet, and Las Vegas’ head coach Pete Carroll has made it crystal clear that he’s looking to pile up wins immediately. A player of Stafford’s caliber instantly elevates any quarterback-needy team a great deal.
Furthermore, Raiders general manager John Spytek, who played a pivotal role in getting 42-year-old Tom Brady to join the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, noted he wouldn’t hesitate to acquire a player of Baker Mayfield’s caliber, should one become available. Stafford is not only of that caliber, but exceeds it.
Perhaps the best reason as to why Las Vegas should consider adding Stafford this offseason is his established resume. Instead of gambling on a quarterback in the draft, there can be a guarantee; Stafford has proved to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL for multiple years, on multiple different teams. Naturally, there’s no guarantee a drafted rookie will become a legitimate franchise quarterback, let alone one of Stafford’s caliber.
In any event, the only way this becomes a reality is if the Rams do not grant Stafford a new contract. Evidently, that would mean Sin City would be forced to allocate a large chunk of cap space towards the veteran signal caller if the Silver and Black were to trade for him.
A playmaker of this stature would ask for at least $50 million per year. That’s the downside of such an acquisition.
Why adding Stafford doesn’t make sense for Pete Carroll and John Spytek
Nostalgia enters this offseason as the Raiders need a quarterback yet again. Jimmy Garoppolo and Gardner Minshew were two unsuccessful experiments. It is a necessity that this new regime gets it right this time.
Justin Fields and Sam Darnold are both available at cheaper prices. Aaron Rodgers will also be an option in 2025.
On top of that, there are far too many holes on Las Vegas’ roster to lose great capital. The Raiders may have the second-most cap space league-wide, but this is largely due to the team’s high number of free agents. Of the 11 defensive starters in 2024, seven are set to hit the open market. Those players will all need to be replaced in the meantime.
Obviously, Stafford places the team in immediate playoff contention, but will there be talent around him?
In this writer’s opinion..
Acquiring Stafford would be a franchise-changing move, but the cap space and draft capital are not worth it. The team should invest in a cheaper quarterback option. Primarily one from the draft, or even a free agent who doesn’t cost the Raiders an arm and a leg.
*Top Photo: Christian Petersen/Getty Images
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