The Minnesota Vikings are currently deciding whether to stick with Sam Darnold as their quarterback or transition to former No. 10 overall pick JJ McCarthy.
However, a recent offseason development has introduced a third possibility: the Vikings could look outside the organization for a new starting QB while keeping McCarthy, who has yet to make his NFL debut.
One intriguing name that has surfaced is Matthew Stafford. The veteran quarterback, who led the Los Angeles Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI against the Cincinnati Bengals, has unexpectedly emerged as a potential trade candidate.
With extensive experience in the NFC North and two years remaining on his four-year, $160 million contract extension signed in 2022, Stafford could provide the Vikings with a short-term solution, allowing McCarthy time to develop into a starting-caliber quarterback.
Vikings Get Tough Prediction From GM On Stafford
According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, an NFL general manager believes the Vikings will miss out on acquiring Matthew Stafford, as the veteran quarterback is expected to land with the New York Giants instead.
Florio reports that, based on recent rumors and insider speculation, one experienced GM predicts Stafford will be traded to the Giants. The reasoning behind this potential move is that Stafford is seeking a pay raise beyond the $27 million the Rams owe him in 2025. If Los Angeles is unwilling to meet his demands and the Giants—whose head coach and GM could be under pressure to win now—are willing to make a bold move, New York could step in, offer Stafford a new deal, and provide the Rams with fair trade compensation.
Stafford Touted To Join The New York Giants
Florio’s source suggests that the Giants are likely to make a strong push for the two-time Pro Bowler, ultimately leaving the Vikings without a viable path to acquiring Stafford.
While New York is reportedly unwilling to part with the No. 3 overall pick in a trade for Stafford, they may still be more aggressive than Minnesota due to their urgent need at quarterback. As it stands, the Giants’ only options are Drew Lock and Tommy DeVito, making them far more desperate for an upgrade.
With general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll facing mounting pressure heading into 2025, taking a big swing on a proven quarterback like Stafford—who has a track record of success when surrounded by strong talent—could be a logical move.
For the Vikings, however, making a similar investment seems less practical. Committing significant money to a top-tier free-agent QB is one thing, but trading valuable picks—especially when they already lack selections in the second, third, and fourth rounds of the 2025 draft—feels like an overly aggressive move with limited upside. At that point, simply sticking with Sam Darnold might be the more sensible approach.
Leave a Reply