If the Rams hold a fire sale, it makes sense to acquire a player who wouldn’t complain if he was literally on fire.

With the reports increase As for a potential trade for receiver Cooper Kupp, why not also explore trading quarterback Matthew Stafford?

We launched the idea 10 days agoand approach it from the perspective that Stafford would want out of it. Now that the Rams have activated their patented trade interest media machinery for Kupp, it makes sense that the Rams would also see what they can get for Stafford.

The Rams approach Stafford year after year. A review of his contract in 2024, intended to give him security after this season, did not yield much. Retirement by Stafford or an offseason release or trade is entirely possible. Why don’t you trade it now?

There are rumors that we haven’t confirmed yet about the Vikings and Aries possibly talking. I have openly advocated for this move because Stafford would make the Vikings a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Especially since he already won a Super Bowl when Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips and quarterbacks coach Chris O’Hara were on LA’s staff.

The cord was pulled with recent reports that the Rams were getting calls about Kupp. As a source with knowledge of the dynamic explained it to PFT, the Rams will call certain reporters and say, for example, “We’re getting a call from (insert player’s name) and I guess we’d be open to talking to him to trade, but the price has to be right. Teams want us to pay part of the salary, but it has to be a good deal.” Then the reporters report it.

Why would teams, as the source accurately noted, call the Rams about Stafford and then leak the fact that they called the Rams? If you want a player, keep your mouth shut so there isn’t a bidding war.

They haven’t tried to create a trade market for Stafford. Maybe because Stafford, if he’s willing to be traded, would have one preferred destination. A 5-1 team where he knows the key coaches and playbook and the organization is capable of competing for a Super Bowl berth.

Especially if Stafford was on the team.

That’s no insult to Sam Darnold. It is just a reflection of reality. If Steelers coach Mike Tomlin can choose Russell Wilson over Justin Fields because Wilson gives the Steelers a better chance to win a title, why can’t the Vikings choose Stafford over Darnold for the exact same reason?

Darnold was supposed to get the pat on the back this year whenever JJ McCarthy was ready. If Darnold instead gets the nod because Stafford has fallen into the team’s lap, can Darnold really complain?