Tom Brady retired, huh? Sure. Just like he retired the first time. Except instead of riding off into the sunset, he’s been everywhere—TV booths, business meetings, and now, apparently, quarterback negotiations. That’s right. Brady isn’t just a Raiders minority owner; he’s reportedly working behind the scenes to bring Matthew Stafford to Las Vegas. And honestly? It makes too much sense. (It might make you wonder if it’s ‘unrealistically too much’).

The Rams have given Stafford the green light to talk to other teams, which is like saying, ‘We’re not breaking up, but you can totally see other people’. The problem? Stafford’s asking for $50 million a year. That’s a lot of money for a quarterback on the wrong side of 35.

Per The Athletic’s Dianna Russini: “Matthew Stafford’s exploration of his market value the last few weeks has indeed attracted significant interest from teams, notably the Raiders and the Giants… Teams are anticipating the Rams will now be driving up the asking price if they decide to move him.”

But the Raiders? They have cap space, a glaring need at QB, and an owner who just happens to be the guy Stafford once battled in a Super Bowl. Coincidence? Probably not. Raiders GM John Spytek and head coach Pete Carroll are keeping things very diplomatic when asked about Stafford.

“We’re not talking about guys on other clubs,” Carroll said. Spytek followed up with, “If there’s an opportunity for any player that we think can add value, we’ll look into it.” That’s GM speak for we’re definitely interested, but we’re not trying to get fined.

And let’s be real—the Raiders need a quarterback. Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew are fun, but they aren’t leading this team to the playoffs. Stafford? That’s a different story. He’s got a ring, still slings it at an elite level when healthy, and if Brady’s in his ear, you know he’s selling more than just Nevada’s lack of state income tax.

And that’s exactly what’s happening. According to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz, Brady recently hosted Matthew Stafford at his Montana home for some skiing and—more importantly—some recruiting. Brady has been actively trying to bring Stafford to Vegas, and discussions are heating up. Several teams are circling, but the Raiders? They’re the most aggressive in the chase.

The Giants are reportedly sniffing around, too, but their QB situation is even messier than the Raiders’. Right now, they’ve got Tommy DeVito and a third overall pick… and that’s it. If Stafford wants another shot at a deep playoff run, Sin City feels like the better bet. And if he wants to cash in? Well, Mark Davis has never been shy about opening his wallet.

Bottom line: Brady’s presence in Vegas is already shaking things up. If he helps land Stafford, it’s proof that he’s more than just a figurehead. And if this deal actually happens? The AFC West just got a whole lot more interesting.

Sean McVay’s coach-speak on Matthew Stafford’s future? Same ol’

Matthew Stafford’s future with the Rams is turning into the NFL’s version of The Twilight Zone—nobody really knows what’s happening, but it’s definitely weird. The Rams gave Stafford permission to explore his market, which is a polite way of saying, ‘Hey, if someone’s willing to pay you what we won’t, go for it’. That’s how we got here.

Now, with the Giants and Raiders lurking, the question is simple: Does Stafford stay in L.A., or is he about to pack his bags?

Sean McVay finally broke his silence on the Fitz & Whit podcast, and—surprise, surprise—he said a lot while saying very little. “There’s no discrepancy on us wanting him to continue to lead the way,” McVay assured, before immediately diving into a tangled web of “layers,” “dynamics,” and “cash budgets.” Translation? We’d love to keep him… but at a price we like. And that’s the problem. Stafford wants a raise, reportedly up to $50 million a year.

The Rams? They’re not exactly jumping to meet that number.

It’s a tough spot. On one hand, Stafford is the guy who led them to a Super Bowl and just finished the season playing some of his best football. Fifteen touchdowns to one interception in his last nine games? Not bad for a quarterback with more mileage than a ‘98 Chevy.

But the Rams are also staring down the reality of paying top dollar for a QB who’s 37 and has had his fair share of injuries. Can they afford to keep him? Can they afford not to? Meanwhile, the Giants and Raiders are circling. Both teams need a veteran presence under center, and both have the resources to make something happen. But are they willing to pay up?

McVay made it clear that while he wants Stafford back, they have to “explore” all options. That’s NFL-speak for, if someone’s willing to overpay, we’ll listen. So, what happens next is that If Stafford finds a team ready to throw a massive bag his way, the Rams could be forced into a decision they don’t want to make. If no one bites, he might just stay put. That’d be a bummer with all the pre-talk so far. Well, as they say: ‘The game’s the game.’ Let’s see what’s the game here, any bets?