FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Matt Stafford On His Way Out Of Los Angeles?

By Jared Smola | Updated on Sun, Feb 23 2025 1:01 AM UTC

The Rams have given QB Matt Stafford permission to gauge trade interest and value from other teams, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Stafford carries a $49.6 million cap number in 2025, but the Rams can save $27 million by trading him in a post-June 1 transaction or $23 million by making him a post-June 1 cut. Stafford, who turned 37 earlier in February, said that he plans to play in 2025, but it's now unclear who he'll be playing for.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 TDs, and eight INTs across 16 games last year. He ranked 21st among 32 qualifying QBs in Pro Football Focus passing grade. And his on-target pass percentage declined for the fourth straight season. Last year's 74.3% ranked 23rd among 34 QBs with 250+ pass attempts.

Stafford is still a viable NFL starter. But he's already in decline, and the cliff can't be too far away. We'll see what kind of trade interest he garners.

A move out of Los Angeles would likely be bad news for Stafford's fantasy value, considering his familiarity with and the strength of HC Sean McVay's offense. He's no better than a low-end QB2 in fantasy drafts right now.

Stafford's departure would also leave the Rams with a gaping hole at the position. 2024 backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo is set to hit free agency next month, while third-stringer Stetson Bennett has yet to attempt a regular-season pass.

The situation adds risk to Rams skill-position players in early fantasy drafts, particularly WR Puka Nacua.

Jared Smola, Lead Analyst

Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.