Los Angeles, CA – Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford has turned down lucrative offers from both the New York Giants and the Las Vegas Raiders, choosing instead to remain with the Los Angeles Rams. According to multiple sources, the Giants and Raiders each presented Stafford with two-year contract offers ranging between $90-100 million. However, after careful consideration, the former Super Bowl champion opted to stay in Los Angeles under a restructured deal with the Rams.
Giants’ Quarterback Dilemma and Pursuit of Stafford
The New York Giants aggressively pursued Stafford in their search for a franchise quarterback, as they currently hold the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft but are uncertain about their available options. While quarterbacks such as Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward are projected to be top prospects, there are concerns about their ability to develop into elite franchise quarterbacks. Given the uncertainty, the Giants sought a proven veteran to lead the team while they groom a potential rookie selection.
The Giants’ interest in Stafford also stems from their dissatisfaction with their current quarterback situation. New York has been exploring options beyond Daniel Jones, who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play since signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension in 2023. While some analysts speculated that the Giants might pursue a free-agent quarterback, the team reportedly had little interest in bringing back Sam Darnold, who previously struggled with the Jets, or signing 36-year-old Russell Wilson, whose recent stints with the Denver Broncos and Pittsburgh Steelers raised concerns about his long-term viability as a starter.
Raiders’ Interest in Stafford
The Las Vegas Raiders were also in the mix for Stafford, as the team has been searching for stability at quarterback since moving on from Derek Carr in 2023. Last season, the Raiders relied on a combination of Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Aidan O’Connell, neither of whom provided the consistency needed for a deep playoff run. With newly hired head coach Antonio Pierce looking to reshape the team’s offensive identity, adding a veteran quarterback like Stafford would have been an ideal move to immediately bolster their chances in a competitive AFC West.
However, despite the interest from both teams, Stafford ultimately decided that his best opportunity to compete for another Super Bowl remained with the Rams.
Stafford Chooses Stability Over a Bigger Payday
According to reports, the Rams granted Stafford’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, permission to explore potential trade opportunities with interested teams. Despite the significant financial offers from New York and Las Vegas, Stafford remained committed to finishing his career in Los Angeles, where he led the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory in the 2021 season.
By restructuring his contract, Stafford ensured he would remain the Rams’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. His previous deal, a four-year, $160 million extension signed in 2022, was set to pay him $26 million in 2025. The details of his restructured contract have not yet been made public, but the move signals Stafford’s desire to stay with head coach Sean McVay and continue competing in a familiar offensive system.
What’s Next for the Giants and Raiders?
With Stafford no longer an option, the Giants must now decide whether to draft a quarterback at No. 3 or explore alternative trade and free-agent options. Some reports suggest they could consider trading down in the draft or targeting a veteran bridge quarterback to pair with a rookie.
The Raiders, on the other hand, may now focus on developing Aidan O’Connell or exploring other veteran quarterbacks on the market. With a strong defense and weapons like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, the team still has potential but will need to solidify its quarterback situation to be competitive in 2025.
Conclusion
By rejecting offers from the Giants and Raiders, Stafford has reaffirmed his commitment to the Rams and prioritized stability and Super Bowl contention over a short-term payday. His decision reshapes the quarterback market and leaves New York and Las Vegas scrambling for solutions as they prepare for the upcoming season.
About The Author
