The NFL offseason is heating up, and Matthew Stafford‘s future with the Los Angeles Rams just took a wild turn. A hidden gem in Stafford’s contract-a previously unnoticed trade clause-has come to light, stirring up speculation amid reports of a meeting with Las Vegas Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. With the quarterback’s camp exploring options at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, this twist could pave the way for a blockbuster move.
Stafford’s four-year, $160 million deal from 2022 seemed straightforward-until now. Buried in the fine print, per Spotrac, is a clause allowing the Rams to trade him without his approval, a rarity for a star of his caliber. Unlike Dak Prescott or Patrick Mahomes, who locked in no-trade clauses, Stafford’s contract leaves him vulnerable.
LA Rams’ Matthew Stafford pass was so good he knew it was a touchdown right after he released the ball
“He didn’t get a no-trade clause,” CBSSports.com’s Joel Corry noted, pointing out how Stafford’s choice to take a team-friendly deal in 2022 might haunt him as he pushes for a $50 million-plus annual payday. With a $49.7 million cap hit in 2025, the Rams can save $27 million by dealing him post-June 1-making this clause a game-changer.
Enter Tom Brady, the Raiders’ new power player. Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Vincent Bonsignore reported Brady “has been in contact with Stafford’s camp” about a potential Vegas stint, a rumor fueled by a debated Montana ski resort meetup. While Brady’s agent, Don Yee, told NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, “This story’s inaccurate,” denying recruitment claims, the buzz persists.
Hidden clause in Stafford’s contract opens door for Raiders plan
FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz doubled down, saying, “Brady has been actively trying to convince Stafford to join the Raiders.” Coincidence or not, the seven-time Super Bowl champ’s involvement has Raiders fans dreaming of Stafford slinging passes to Brock Bowers.
Stafford, 37, isn’t slowing down-his 2024 stats (3,762 yards, 20 TDs) prove he’s still elite. The Rams want him back, with coach Sean McVay saying on the Fitz & Whit podcast, “We want him to continue to lead the way.”
But money talks, and Stafford’s camp is gauging his worth after the Rams greenlit talks with teams like the Raiders and Giants. If LA won’t meet his price, that trade clause could send him packing.
So, what’s next? The Combine’s a hotbed for chatter-Stafford’s agent is meeting suitors, and the Raiders, with the No. 6 pick and cap space, are in prime position. Will Brady’s charm and that sneaky clause land Stafford in Vegas?
