NFL Confidential: Reunion most likely outcome for Rams, Matthew Stafford

With the NFL Combine next week, we thought what better time than now to start a weekly insider column based on the rumblings I'm hearing around the league. Indy, in many ways, is the ultimate precursor to free agency. Every team, executive and agent attends — which means the framework for tons of new contracts and even possible trades gets set. 

Let's dive in.

With the Rams making former All-Pro wideout Cooper Kupp available via trade, their starting quarterback will be, in many ways, the key domino to fall this offseason — and certainly in the NFC. While uncertainty remains surrounding Matthew Stafford's future with the team, league sources are adamant that coach Sean McVay and the organization want to keep the 37-year-old Super Bowl champion. Remember, trading Stafford ensures a $45.3 million dead cap hit in 2025 and nearly $23 million in 2026. Stafford, who is scheduled to make under $30 million this upcoming season, is seeking a new contract with future guarantees that will pay him closer to the league's top 10 quarterbacks. 

Several teams, per league sources, have called L.A. about Stafford and the belief is a first-round pick would probably be the asking price should the Rams choose to make a deal. Again, the Rams want him back (he also carries a $49.3 million cap hit if released) and there's been nothing to this point that would suggest Stafford doesn't want to play for them, but this is undoubtedly one of the biggest storylines heading into free agency next month. Before then, the Rams and Stafford's agent are planning to meet in Indianapolis to see if they can find common ground.

It's no coincidence that Joe Burrow has been so public about his desire for the Bengals to extend both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.