The Los Angeles Rams have experienced a significant period of transition following the 2023 season. The retirement of three-time Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald, coupled with the impending trade of 2021 Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp, has left a significant void on the roster.
Furthermore, the future of quarterback Matthew Stafford remains uncertain, with many fans and analysts anticipating his eventual (and inevitable) departure from the team. The here and now marks a significant turning point for the Rams, as they chart a new course for the future.
Packaging Kupp and Stafford Poses an Intriguing Proposal for the Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers
The Athletic’s NFL insider, Diana Russini, recently suggested that the Rams move on from both Kupp and Stafford via a trade to a team that could use the services of both a quarterback and a veteran receiver; the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The future of Matthew Stafford is also in question,” Russini wrote. “The 36-year-old has just $4 million in guarantees for 2025, and neither GM Les Snead [n]or HC Sean McVay committed to the veteran quarterback in recent media appearances. Both Stafford and Kupp are past their primes, but can still be valuable additions for many teams — perhaps the Steelers, who could even use both.“
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Packaging the two, who have built an incredible bond on and off the field over the last four seasons, would allow the Rams to maximize their return, whether that is for young burgeoning talent like Joey Porter Jr. or George Pickens or flip it into perhaps a first or second-round draft pick.
Moving on from Stafford would mark a complete reset from just a few seasons ago when general manager Les Snead called Stafford, Kupp, and Donald as the franchise’s load-bearing walls. Donald has already forced their hand in this direction and continues with the announcement of Kupp’s departure from the team.
Perhaps it is time to rip the bandaid off and ensure that the Los Angeles Rams have a quarterback of the future.