Sean McVay has never been one to sit still. From the moment he took over the Rams in 2017, he’s turned a stagnant franchise into a Super Bowl contender. His offense rewrote the playbook, his energy reshaped the locker room, and his ruthlessness in building the roster—trading picks for stars, and pushing the salary cap to its limits—became his trademark. He turned Jared Goff into a Super Bowl quarterback, then cast him aside for Matthew Stafford, who delivered the ultimate prize. But in the NFL, success is fleeting, and now McVay finds himself at another crossroads. With Stafford’s future in limbo and the Giants making a serious push to bring him to New York, the Rams face a decision that could redefine their immediate future.

Enter Sam Darnold, who is standing at yet another fork in the road. Once the bright-eyed face of USC football, he was supposed to be the Jets’ franchise savior, but instead, he became the poster child for unrealized potential. He’s been beaten up in New York, cast aside in Carolina, and relegated to backup duty in San Francisco. Now, he finds himself in Los Angeles, where McVay—who has a knack for reviving quarterbacks—might just be his best (and last) chance to prove he’s more than a journeyman. With the quarterback question looming over their quarterback situation, the Rams have to decide: is Darnold a temporary band-aid, or does McVay see something the rest of the league missed?

Top Comment by Joe

I think Stafford could win a superbowl with Minnesota Vinings

Share your take

Debate

Following the season-ending loss to the Eagles in the divisional round, Stafford was not clear on his future. He said he will need time to make a decision, but hinted he wants to keep playing. Then in a recent interview, he reiterated his desire to compete at the highest level again. “I just want to keep playing good football. I love competing. Obviously getting a chance to make runs in the playoffs, competing for Lombardi trophies is what it’s all about. Once you get a taste of one, you want more of them. I love playing this game.” While Stafford considers his future, McVay and the Rams could be readying themselves to welcome Darnold into the fold.

The Rams organization is reportedly getting busy preparing to find a replacement for Stafford and Darnold has emerged as a possible candidate. Darnold, outside of his last two games for the Vikings, proved that he can lead a team. Darnold is a free agent at 28 years old coming off his first career Pro Bowl and McVay may have realized that he can serve his team and perhaps even realize his potential.

According to The Athletic’s Derrik Klassen, “Can you trade Stafford for a [first-round pick] and then just sign Sam Darnold for the Stafford money, and is that actually a better place to be if you are the Los Angeles Rams for the next five years?” And the good part, the journalist added, “Because you get the draft capital in addition to a much younger quarterback on what is probably going to be a similar deal.” 

Still, nothing is set in stone as the Vikings are likely to make an effort to keep Darnold at the franchise. But Darnold’s success and a lack of available options could mean a hefty contract for the QB. Going by history the Vikings could look to avoid that like they did with Kirk Cousins. The Vikings and Cousins couldn’t agree on a new contract and parted ways and the franchise drafted J.J. McCarthy in the first round of the 2024 draft while also signing Daniel Jones.

Over The Cap projects the Rams will have $38.3 million before making any further roster moves this offseason. Darnold, who has earned $63.8 million in his career, has a projected annual value of $38.2 million.

Many expect Darnold to return to Minnesota. With 4,319 yards passing and 35 touchdown passes, it will be a big decision if the Vikings let him go. But they could let Darnold walk away since they have JJ McCarthy on a rookie deal. They can use their cap space gained from Darnold’s move to build a team around McCarthy. This could be seen as a long-term plan. Moreover, if the Rams come up with a better offer, the Vikings would find it difficult to hold onto him.

As far as McVay goes, he is already a fan of Darnold.

Before their Wild Card game, McVay was all praise for Darnold for the job he did at the Vikings. “I think Sam has done a great job. He’s always had a great ability to be able to get through progressions, activate different parts of the field, and buy time with his legs. I think he’s a much better athlete than maybe people give him credit for. He’s moved the sticks with his legs a lot this year.”

For the Rams, resolving Stafford’s future will be a key indicator of where things will go.

The Rams QB signed a four-year deal with the organization in 2022 for a staggering $160,000,000. Out of the total amount, $130,000,000 is guaranteed. Stafford’s average annual salary is $40 million with a cap hit of $49,666,667. While Stafford is keeping his options open, the Rams may consider moving on from him to accommodate a much younger QB. A move to the Vikings would not be too surprising as well.

Stafford has an annual value sitting at $29.1 million, which might suit the Vikings’ plan. Having someone with the veteran presence of Stafford would be a help for their offense, especially McCarthy.

Moreover, Matthew Stafford also has deeper connections with the Vikings. The Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell was the Rams offensive coordinator when Stafford won the Super Bowl LVI. 

However, there is a giant in the market for the 16-year NFL veteran and their recent move could tilt the scales in their favor.

Matthew Stafford and his connection with the NY Giants

The current Rams QB could land with the New York Giants. And how can we say that? Well, the Giants have hired a coach who has family ties with Matthew Stafford and that’s why it would not be a wild guess to say the Giants can sign the 37-year-old QB.

As per NFL insider Adam Schefter, “Giants are hiring former Jaguars and Bills WR coach Chad Hall as their assistant quarterbacks coach, per sources. Hall now reunites with his former Bills colleagues, HC Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen, in New York. Hall also is the brother-in-law of current Rams QB Matthew Stafford.” 

One of the interesting facts is, that Chad Hall and Stafford are of similar age and share a brotherly love. Talking about Stafford, the Giants’ new quarterbacks coach once called him, “Brother I never had.” Hiring Hall could well be the move that helps them land Stafford.

After a solid 2024 season, adorned with 21 touchdowns and 3762 yards, he still remains a strong option for any team. His desire to compete for the Lombardi Trophy again remains as strong as ever, but whether will he get to do it in LA or somewhere else, remains to be seen.