Could a Darnold for Stafford Swap be an Option for Vikings?
The Minnesota Vikings have a potential franchise quarterback in J.J. McCarthy. After being a first round selection, McCarthy didn’t see the field last year following an injury. After Sam Darnold performed like a legitimate top quarterback on a cheap deal, there are questions surrounding his potential return.
Any decision to bring Darnold back would need to weigh his cap hit relative to the ceiling of his talent. Matthew Stafford was suggested as an upgrade during the season, and maybe the Vikings and Rams can get together for a swap now.
Matthew Stafford can make a return to the NFC North with the Minnesota Vikings
It’s not a surprise that the Los Angeles Rams are going to go through an upheaval this offseason. Cooper Kupp has already been told he will be traded. Matthew Stafford’s status is up in the air, but it’s not certain he feels comfortable there anymore.
After the Rams beat the Vikings in the playoffs, they fell short against the Eagles. Stafford could be on the way out, and his wife Kelly shared some feelings on her latest podcast.
Kelly Stafford: “My husband wants to win. … Trading away a Cooper Kupp? I’m confused because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship. I have to be the dog in this situation—I want the respect for him that he deserves. I love the city of L.A. With that being said… pic.twitter.com/SJzDB78ww2
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 6, 2025
“I honestly wasn’t planning on discussing this, but hell, why not. My husband wants to win. He’s not trying to put a team in a bad situation. If you’re catching my drift, you’re catching my drift…I have to be the dog in the situation, being like I want the respect for him that he deserves. Yes, I love the city of LA (Los Angeles). With that being said, I love an adventure.”
Kelly Stafford (The Morning After)
This wouldn’t be the first time Matthew Stafford’s wife has leaned a bit out over her skis. Obviously, she also has plenty of conversation with her husband and knows where his heart is. This could be a parting of the ways situation for the Rams.
Sam Darnold vs. Matthew Stafford
Darnold is in line for a significant payday. The most likely outcome from the Minnesota Vikings is a franchise tag that pays him something near $40 million next season. Stafford’s cap hit is in that realm, but he also is a substantially better quarterback.
O’Connell is plenty familiar with Stafford having previously worked for the Rams. Sean McVay already wanted Darnold to back up his starter this season. A swap of the two players could make a level of sense if the Vikings are not going to turn over the reigns to McCarthy immediately.
Related: Justin Jefferson Expects Sam Darnold to be Back with the Vikings…
Last season Stafford threw for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns for the Rams. He was picked off just eight times, and compiled those numbers with significantly lesser offensive weapons than the Vikings possess.
MATTHEW STAFFORD TO DEMARCUS ROBINSON ONE-HANDED TD TO WIN THE GAME FOR THE @RAMSNFL! pic.twitter.com/xqFG6xQ4eS
— NFL (@NFL) November 4, 2024
It seems crazy to suggest that the Minnesota Vikings would acquire a cap-defining quarterback in the form of Stafford. It’s even crazier to believe they’d provide a similar outlay for a lesser version in the form of Darnold.
If Stafford and his wife are up for an adventure, a trip back to the NFC North could be plenty of fun.
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