Seahawks' rival allows star QB permission to explore trade

The Rams are giving QB Matthew Stafford permission to seek a trade, per report

Nov 3, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) greet each other following an overtime victory by the Rams at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images | Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Nobody has given the Seattle Seahawks more trouble over the last four seasons than Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Since 2021, the Seahawks have gone 3-5 against the Rams and 0-5 in games that Stafford has started.

According to a report from ESPN, Los Angeles has given the veteran quarterback's agent permission to "speak to other teams about his market value."

Stafford has two years left on his current deal but reportedly wants a new contract and the Rams are hesitant to commit more money to the 37-year-old. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft has passed for 59,809 yards, 377 touchdowns and 188 interceptions over 16 seasons.

It's somewhat hard to understand why either party would want to move on after Los Angeles nearly defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional playoffs. Stafford has thrived playing for head coach Sean McVay and the Rams have over $40 million in cap space.

According to NFL reporter Albert Breer, at least four teams have shown interest in Stafford thus far.

At least four teams have "shown interest" in trading for Matthew Stafford, per @AlbertBreer pic.twitter.com/g6sLNzebPk
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) February 24, 2025

The Seahawks also have some questions at quarterback with Geno Smith entering the final year of his contract. Smith, 34, passed for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns last season -- both totals were higher than Stafford recorded in 2024.

Seattle finished with the same record as Los Angeles in 2024, but the Rams won the NFC West and the Seahawks were left at home for the postseason due to divisional tiebreakers.

It's safe to say Seattle would be okay with Stafford taking his talents elsewhere.

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