A quartet of teams was recently mentioned as suitors to watch for on the Matthew Stafford trade front. The Giants and Raiders in particular have shown strong interest, and a bidding war could ensue as a result. 
The Giants met with Stafford’s representatives at the Combine on Tuesday night, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports. That comes as no surprise given the interest the team has shown dating back to at least the 2024 trade deadline. General manager Joe Schoen has made it clear adding multiple quarterbacks (including, quite possibly, acquiring a veteran and then selecting a rookie early in the draft) is a priority this offseason.
Dealing the No. 3 pick in April’s draft is not on the table, but the Giants could look to put together a package built around other compensation. Confirming the Giants-Stafford meeting, a report from Dianna Russini, Tashan Reed, Jourdan Rodrigue and Vic Tafur of The Athletic notes Los Angeles would likely ask for a second-round selection and more if a Day 1 pick becomes unattainable (subscription required). The Giants are on track to own seven other 2025 picks, including No. 34.
Stafford is known to be seeking a new Rams pact averaging $50MM per year, but the team is not prepared to meet that asking price. Head coach Sean McVay has made it clear the team’s preference would be for the Super Bowl winner to play a fifth season in Los Angeles. While his camp has permission to seek out a trade partner, Stafford has not asked to be dealt to a new team.
The Raiders have of course already been in contact with Stafford himself speaking with minority owner Tom Brady. The details on the encounter have been disputed, but concerns about tampering can be put to rest. A league spokesperson informed Outkick’s Armando Salguero the NFL is satisfied tampering did not occur when Brady and Stafford met. Especially since the Rams have allowed conversations to take place regarding a trade deal as well as a contract from a (hypothetical) acquiring team, similar discussions can be expected over the coming days.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer predicts this situation will be resolved one way or another relatively soon. The Rans will of course need to know if their 37-year-old passer will remain in place for another year or if a successor will need to be acquired this offseason. Suitors like the Giants and Raiders (along with the previously-mentioned Browns and Steelers) will also build their offseason plans on whether or not a Stafford swap can be worked out. As the Combine continues, traction on a potential deal could continue to be gained with respect to New York and/or Las Vegas in particular.
NFL trade rumor experts: “ITS TAMPERING!”
NFL itself: The details on the encounter have been disputed, but concerns about tampering can be put to rest. A league spokesperson informed Outkick’s Armando Salguero the NFL is satisfied tampering did not occur when Brady and Stafford met. Especially since the Rams have allowed conversations to take place regarding a trade deal as well as a contract from a (hypothetical) acquiring team, similar discussions can be expected over the coming days.
They should, plain and simply, just do away with the concept of “tampering.” Let whoever talk to whoever they want to, whenever they want to. What difference does it make in the long run? If a player is happy where he is, you’re not luring him away. NFL teams – if you really want to keep a guy, keep him happy.
None of this seems like rocket science.
Agreed. I mean players are always talking to their friends about joining up anyways. Tampering constantly happens amonst players.
Soon as the season is over officially teams should be allowed to start contacting pending free agents about deals.
NYG should be crazy if they are willing to pay Stafford 50 a year. How much will Wilson cost? Who can Giants get in the 30-35 a year range?
While I agree with most of the sentiment regarding NFL “tampering.”
Well of course there’s no tampering or interference on the Raiders part. Brady the NFL “god” can do no wrong and is allowed to act however he wishes. Same thing with the Mannings. What a joke!