The Matthew Stafford situation could be coming to a head sooner rather than later.
The future of the 37-year-old quarterback has been a hot topic around the NFL recently. The Los Angeles Rams gave Stafford and his representation the opportunity to speak with other teams in order to gauge his value. It seems likely that this will result in him being traded–the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants are in hot pursuit–but a return to LA has not been ruled out.
On Thursday night, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport strongly hinted that a decision is coming, perhaps by the time the NFL Scouting Combine wraps up on Sunday.
“It does seem by the time everyone leaves here in Indianapolis, all sides expect a resolution,” Rapoport said.
Interestingly, Rapoport went on to say that while the Raiders and Giants have been speaking with Stafford’s reps, the Rams remain an option.
“It does seem, as the conversations pick up over the course of the next 24 hours, that Matthew Stafford returning to the Rams is at least possible. We will see if it ramps up to likely potentially tomorrow,” Rapoport explained.
Stafford is due to receive $4 million of the $27 million he is owed for next season in the form of a bonus on March 14, which creates a sort of “soft deadline,” as Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said earlier today.
Additionally, the legal tampering period for free agency begins March 10, with the new league year starting on March 12, increasing the urgency for a solution of some kind.
According to reports, Stafford is seeking a new contract in excess of $50 million per year. The Giants have reportedly made the two-time Pro Bowler their “top priority” in their search for a new signal caller.
While New York met with Stafford’s reps this week, the Raiders are also making a strong push. Tom Brady and Stafford spent time together recently at a ski lodge in Montana in a meeting that was either coincidental or part of Brady’s recruiting pitch, depending on which NFL insider you listen to.
Meanwhile, a report from the Las Vegas Review-Journal earlier today indicated the Raiders and Stafford’s team have “found common ground” on a potential new contract.