The Matthew Stafford saga is growing more complicated by the hour, with multiple (and conflicting) reports of Tom Brady meeting with Stafford on a recent ski trip in Montana.
It was originally reported that Brady had reached out to Stafford about joining the Raiders, but subsequent reporting has provided more clarity on the situation.
Brady hosted Stafford in Montana as part of his ongoing efforts to recruit the veteran quarterback to Las Vegas, who are expected to be “the most aggressive suitor,” per FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz. That report was disputed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who said that Brady and Stafford “ran into each other” in an unplanned meeting. Schultz followed up on his original report, adding that “Brady has been leading the charge to get him to the Raiders if the Rams decide to trade him.”
Since Stafford has been given permission to speak with other teams, it’s unlikely that Brady’s actions would run afoul of the NFL’s anti-tampering rules. If Brady’s contact came before the Rams granted that permission, though, the Raiders could face an investigation and potential discipline for the infraction. The Falcons forfeited a fifth-round pick and paid a $250k fine for tampering with multiple free agents last year. Chief among them was another veteran quarterback: Kirk Cousins.
Stafford’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, has also been meeting with interested teams at the Combine this week, including the Giants, according to Schultz and The Athletic’s Dan Duggan. The Giants have been repeatedly linked to Stafford, even dating back to the 2024 trade deadline. While they may not be willing to deal the No. 3 overall pick to acquire the veteran quarterback, general manager Joe Schoen has made it clear that finding a new quarterback is his priority this offseason.
The Stafford situation remains fluid. Sean McVay expressed his desire to retain his Super Bowl-winning quarterback, but other teams are clearly circling. After assessing his market, Stafford will likely give the Rams a chance to meet his financial demands. If they refuse, he seems poised to force his way out of Los Angeles, with Las Vegas and New York leading the list of potential destinations.
So, tampering?
Rams told Stafford’s agent to work on a trade and bring it back to them.
link to profootballrumors.com
I’m aware of the reports, but given the inconsistent reporting, I’ve got questions about the actual timing.
It’s a moot point.
Unless Rams file a complaint or make a stink about it NFL won’t do anything
Only reports that matter in this instance are Rams are actively trying to move on from Stafford. So doubt they’ll complain even if it was tampering.
Minnesota and Chicago were letting Cousins and Mooney walk, but Atlanta still got punished. It might not be LA, but I guarantee the league will get an earful from teams if it looks like Brady has a license to tamper, given that he already has conflict of interest concerns.
Cousins and Mooney didn’t have permission like Stafford does to speak to teams while still under contract with Minnesota
If Minnesota gave Cousins permission to speak to Atlanta prior to the legal tampering period, and Chicago to Mooney, doubt the NFL does anything about it.
“Well you talked prior to being granted permission but were granted permission anyways so let’s still punish you even though you have a right to do so now”
Kind of like entering a country illegally and then being given amnesty after the fact. Sure you broke the law initially but it’s moot cause you’re granted citizenship anyways and nobody is gonna do anything about you initially breaking the law.
Well that’s a bizarre non sequitur that doesn’t address my actual point.
It’s called an analogy and perfectly fits the scenario. I’m sorry if analogies offend you. Your actual point also ignores the difference that Stafford is granted permission to speak to other teams while cousins and Mooney were not.
You aren’t allowed to do something
You’re granted permission to do the something you weren’t allowed to do
What you did prior is a moot point cause you’re given permission to do it.
If that ski trip happened before he had permission, it wasn’t allowed. And the analogy is weird and ill fitting. If you want someone to like it ask your other account.
Yeah my “other accounts” are giving me likes about things I say.
Something something bizarre non sequitur
Anyways. He has permission so it’ll be a moot point to the NFL.
Your “where’s the 2nd JFK shooter” conspiracy theories are fun and all, but end of the day doubt the NFL cares cause Rams are actively trying to move Stafford.
Any other instances of tampering regarding players teams tried to actively move and gave permission to guys seeking trades?
lol right on cue
Any other instances of tampering regarding players teams tried to actively move and gave permission to guys seeking trades?
Who cares…this is the league that has a “Legal Tampering” period which is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard of
Lmao. No. Not tampering. As people have kindly informed you Stafford has permission to speak to other teams.
As if we didn’t need proof that Brady should be bounced from the Fox NFL booth …
Don’t hold your breath. I doubt the NFL cares.
Hope he’s a better ghost GM than he is an announcer.
Two thirds don’t outbid yourself
So do we know what percentage of Stafford’s salary Brady will be pocketing as a kickback?
Tamper Brady lol jk
Brady just want’s to add on to his titles. He already has “deflategate” so why not “tampergate”?
If Raiders wind up acquiring Stafford that’s gotta mean the they pass on QB at 6 right? Man how awkward would that be to have a Cousins / Penix Jr situation where Raiders bring in Stafford and draft Shedeur Sanders or something.
More like draft Tet at 6 to pair with Stafford and Bowers.
If LV got Stafford, it’d certainly shake up some already vastly different mocks. I’ve seen a handful where Hunter falls to #6, which I’d absolutely do if he’s there. That feels a bit farfetched, to me. At any rate, I don’t know that Jeanty wouldn’t be the best pick for a Stafford quarterbacked LV team though, assuming Hunter doesn’t fall.
This story sounds awfully familiar.lol
That report was disputed by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who said that Brady and Stafford “ran into each other” in an unplanned meeting.
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Wow, that’s one hell of a coincidence.
Crazy that they happened to book the same conference room at the same lodge at the same time.
Do you know if anybody has ever introduced Tom Brady to his son? He seems to spend more time romance men to come to a team that he only owns 5% of