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James Brizuela is a contributing sports writer located in Los Angeles. His focus is on Comics, Comic Book Movies, Video Games, NFL, and MMA. He has in-depth knowledge of the NFL as a whole, having been a fan for over 30 years, and covering the sports over the last six years. He also knows the ins and outs of the comics world, becoming an editor while covering everything DC and beyond on Comic Book Resources, Giant Freakin Robot, and Inside the Magic. James joined Newsweek in March 2024, having previously written NFL content for Sports Illustrated. He is a graduate of the University of California, Riverside. You can get in touch with James by emailing, j.brizuela@newsweek.com. You can find him at X @james_brizuela.
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There have been plenty of rumors surrounding Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford potentially being traded. Despite these being only rumors, a new report indicates that the Rams are now open to hearing valuations for their star signal caller.
More news: Aaron Rodgers, Matthew Stafford Free Agency Prediction Sends Veterans to Shocking Teams
Echoing reporting from @TomPelissero: The #Rams have given permission for Matthew Stafford’s agent to speak with other teams about his value. This is not a trade request.
Instead, the Rams and Stafford can gain a better understanding of his value outside the team, potentially… pic.twitter.com/ouYiIQtcr9
NFL insider Ian Rapoport indicated that Stafford's agent has been granted permission to speak to other teams about the quarterback's value. He also indicated that this is not a trade request.
"Echoing reporting from TomPelissero: The #Rams have given permission for Matthew Stafford's agent to speak with other teams about his value. This is not a trade request. Instead, the Rams and Stafford can gain a better understanding of his value outside the team, potentially making it easier to get a contract done. That remains the hope, that outside help can assist in gauging the market and seeing his value — and that this results in his return to LA."
This is a very odd way of indicating that Stafford is not going to be traded, rather the Rams are attempting to get some research done in terms of offering him a new contract.
What makes this wording and report a bit strange is there have also been reports indicating that the Rams have already set Stafford's trade value at a first-round pick. Also, Mike Florio indicated there are some rumblings in terms of Stafford potentially being traded to the Giants, and Rodgers being signed by L.A.
Read more: Rams Asking Price for a Matthew Stafford Trade Has Reportedly Been Revealed
These are all rumors at this point, but Rapoport's report along with Tom Pelissero indicating the Rams have set trade value seems to be airing on the side of the longtime veteran being under center for a new team in 2025.
Stafford is still a viable starter and one that would boost most quarterback rooms. This would be especially true for the aforementioned Giants, along with quarterback-needy teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and more.
Though the Rams are not saying outright that Stafford is on the trade block, they are going out of their way to indicate a trade value for the stalwart passer.
Stafford ended the 2024 season with 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
The Rams struggled mightily in 2024 to start the season due to massive amounts of injuries. However, they turned things around and experienced a playoff berth.
Stafford led the team to a big win against the Super Bowl favorite Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card Round but lost to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.
For more on the Rams, head to Newsweek Sports.
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