Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is set to turn 37 in February, fueling ongoing discussions about his potential retirement and who might replace him with the Los Angeles Rams.
However, in a surprising twist, Stafford is now being linked to a rival NFC team—not the one previously speculated earlier in the season.
While there had been talk of Stafford possibly joining the Minnesota Vikings, a Bleacher Report feature on NFL quarterback predictions suggests a different destination for the veteran quarterback.
Former Lions Quarterback Could Have One More Stop Before Retirement
In a November 27 feature for Bleacher Report, NFL analyst Brad Gagnon predicts Stafford may follow a path similar to New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr, becoming a free agent or trade candidate this offseason.
“It’s not as though he’s fallen off a productivity cliff at 36, and he led this team to the Super Bowl a few years ago,” Gagnon remarked.
He then predicted Stafford would end up with the Seattle Seahawks.
“The Giants, Raiders, and Titans might take interest if the Rams part ways, but Stafford might prefer to join a more competitive Seattle team to wind down his career,” Gagnon explained.
“The Jets may not want to go down the (Aaron) Rodgers path, and Seattle could see this as a great opportunity to upgrade with the window open.”
Spotrac notes the Rams could save $27 million against the 2025 salary cap by releasing Stafford after June 1, which Gagnon suggests is plausible if the team decides the veteran is no longer an asset at 37.
Stafford would potentially replace Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith.
While Smith cannot solely be blamed for Seattle’s struggles, Gagnon points out the team could save $25 million by moving on from Smith during the offseason.
Smith’s most recent performance saw the Seahawks defeat the New York Jets on December 1, with Smith throwing for 206 yards and a touchdown.
Gagnon also predicts Smith, along with Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold, could join the Jets after this season.
Matthew Stafford Suffers Lateral Ankle Sprain
The Rams defeated the New Orleans Saints 21-14 on Sunday, but Stafford sustained a “little” lateral ankle sprain during the game.
Rams head coach Sean McVay assured reporters the injury wouldn’t affect Stafford’s preparation for their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills.
“Nothing that’s going to change his weekly rhythm as far as practice,” McVay said Monday, adding that Stafford participated in the team’s day-after lifting program. “Got it banged up a little bit.
He’s tough. He pushes through and he should be good to go.”
The injury occurred during the second quarter of the game against the Saints.
Stafford appeared hurt and limped but stayed in the game, throwing two touchdowns in the second half.
