After the 2020 NFL season, the Detroit Lions executed a franchise-altering trade, sending long-time quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams. Stafford, who had spent over a decade in Detroit, sought an opportunity to compete for a championship. The move paid off immediately, as he led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in his first season. Meanwhile, Detroit, led by Jared Goff, has emerged as one of the NFC’s top contenders.
While Goff appears to be the Lions’ quarterback for the foreseeable future, Stafford’s future with the Rams remains uncertain—especially if his wife, Kelly Stafford, has any influence over the situation.
Kelly Stafford Hints at Possible Trade Request
During a recent episode of The Morning After podcast, Kelly Stafford openly discussed her husband’s current situation in Los Angeles. While expressing that they enjoy life in L.A., she also suggested that Matthew might consider requesting a trade due to contract negotiations and the possible departure of wide receiver Cooper Kupp.
“My husband is focused on winning and doesn’t want to put his team in a difficult position,” she said. “But the idea of trading Cooper away is confusing to me. We were just one play away from reaching the NFC Championship, and I believe we would have won if we had made it that far.”
Kelly also mentioned that while she appreciates their current life in Los Angeles, she is open to new experiences elsewhere.
Stafford’s Future in Los Angeles Is Uncertain
Though Stafford’s tenure with the Rams started with a Super Bowl win, the past few seasons have been more complicated. A neck injury in 2022 limited him to nine games, but he has since rebounded, throwing for 7,727 yards, 44 touchdowns, and 19 interceptions while leading the Rams to two playoff appearances.
This past offseason, Stafford’s return to the Rams was nearly derailed by contract disputes. He ultimately agreed to a deal that pays him $46.1 million this season, but according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, he may seek a contract exceeding $50 million per year—comparable to what several other top quarterbacks are making.
“What if Stafford looks around and says, ‘Seven or eight quarterbacks are making $50 million or more—I should be, too’?” Breer speculated on The Dan Patrick Show. “If I were another team, I’d at least make the call.”
A Possible Fresh Start?
Kelly Stafford didn’t shy away from the idea of relocating, suggesting she wants to see her husband get the respect he deserves.
“I love L.A. I truly do,” she said. “But at the same time, I also love an adventure.”
If Stafford were to be traded, it would add yet another twist to the blockbuster deal that sent him to Los Angeles in the first place, creating an all-too-familiar scenario for Lions fans.
