The NFL Combine is underway at Lucas Oil Stadium. With it comes the first wave of offseason rumors. For Giants fans, no rumor was more intriguing than the potential Matthew Stafford trade that’s circulated the internet. However, Ian Rappaport tweeted that the Rams and Stafford are closing in on a deal that will keep him in Los Angeles.
Stafford would have given the Giants an immediate upgrade at the game’s most important decision. However, it never made sense for either side. The Giants are far away from competing and Stafford most likely wants a shot at another Super Bowl before his career is over.
It was a nice daydream, but it was never going to make sense.
Trading for Matthew Stafford Never Made Sense for the Giants
1. The Cost Would Be Too High
Trade compensation for an aging veteran quarterback is complicated. For one, older quarterbacks can experience a drop off in play at any given moment. Secondly, it’s hard to justify giving up premium assets for a few years of production. Rumors are suggesting that Stafford could go for as high as a second-round pick in this year’s draft.
Joe Schoen also needs to ask him: why would the Rams be willing to part ways with Stafforf? He won them a Super Bowl in 2021 and came the closest to beating the Eagles in the playoffs this season. If anything, the Rams window is open now while Satafford is still playing at a high level.
Now, reports are saying that the Raiders are equally as interested in Stafford. This is a classic case of supply and demand- if the Rams are in fact moving from Stafford. A contract extension could also reportedly be over $50 million in AAV- albeit for only two to three years.
Do the Giants really want to invest that much money in a 37-year-old?
2. Cap Implications & Injury Risk
Can Stafford stay healthy for an entire season? He is already experiencing back issues, which don’t go away. While the Giants offensive line made strides in the early part of 2024, it’s still far from a finished unit. In addition, their own star Andrew Thomas has an injury history.
If Thomas were to miss an extended amount of time in 2025, Stafford could look like the 2018 version of Eli Manning: scared, taking unnecessary hits, and afraid to sit in the pocket to make big plays. In this scenario, making a move for Stafford would be pointless. The reason a team would want to bring him in is to help their offense be more explosive. However, a hamstrung offensive line would prevent that from happening and suddenly, there’s more bad quarterback play attached to an expensive contract.
3. Would This Move Just Have Delayed the Inevitable?
If Stafford doesn’t work out, the Giants are stuck in mediocrity with no long-term plan. Joe Schoen said that he didn’t plan on making any “Hail Mary” moves to save his job. Unfortunately, a trade for Stafford feels like a self-preservation move. There’s no denying that would be an immediate upgrade, but can he really elevate a 3-14 team? What’s the ceiling with Stafford anyway? Do the Giants truly believe that Stafford can help them win a Super Bowl or compete for the playoffs in 2025? Or are they content with being relevant in December for a change? In all probability, Schoen and Daboll are just vying for their jobs.
Pivot Towards the Draft and Free-Agency
In reality, a Giants trade for Matthew Stafford never made sense. The price wouldn’t have been reasonable, or it could backfire long-term. Now, the Giants are going to pivot to the free-agent market and draft. They’re spending time with Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward at the combine already.
How about a trade up to the first pick?
Main Image: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
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