As the trade deadline approaches, a lot of interesting names could make their way into the rumor mill.
One name that could become very interesting as November 5 approaches is Matthew Stafford.
It’s very likely that the Rams’ starting quarterback will be in his final season with the team, regardless of whether the Rams can reverse a 1-4 start. If the Rams can parlay the remainder of his 2024 contract into draft picks and can get a fresh start elsewhere, it makes sense to at least consider it.
The challenge becomes finding a new team. There is no real contender currently in need of a midfielder. This could be done by the Tuesday after the ninth week.
For example, if the Jets come up with a scheme to make Sam Darnold look human, the Vikings (if they lose to the Lions and then to the Stafford Rams) would be wise to at least consider the possibility of an upgrade. (Coincidentally, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and Stafford worked together for a year in Los Angeles and both won a Super Bowl ring for their efforts.)
The destination is likely to be infection driven. We have four more weekends of football before the window closes. One season-ending injury is all it takes for Stafford to get a new home. And for the Rams to get a nice return.
In 2011, the Bengals and quarterback Carson Palmer were at an impasse. Two days before the trade deadline, Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell suffered a broken collarbone. This sparked a trade of Palmer to Oakland.
Again, all it takes is one. (We will not mention names, so as not to be accused of conjuring up a frightening jinx.)
However, the Rams can still get hot. They are out this week. If they can win in Weeks 7, 8 and 9, they may decide to leave it with Stafford.
However, if they lose two of the next three, Stafford could become a candidate for a deadline trade to a contender who would add a guy who is still a top-10 quarterback.
