The Los Angeles Rams have made former All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp available for trade, but the biggest storyline surrounding the team remains quarterback Matthew Stafford. With uncertainty around his future, sources indicate that head coach Sean McVay and the organization prefer to keep him. However, Stafford is seeking a contract that places him among the league’s top 10 quarterbacks, with more future guarantees.
The financial implications of moving Stafford are significant, as trading him would result in a $45.3 million dead cap hit in 2025 and nearly $23 million in 2026. Although teams have expressed interest, likely requiring a first-round pick for a trade, Stafford and the Rams will meet in Indianapolis to discuss a potential resolution before free agency begins.
Joe Burrow has been vocal about his desire for the Cincinnati Bengals to extend wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, sending a clear message to the front office. Chase was close to securing a deal before last season but ultimately chose to play, and now he stands to become the league’s first $40 million per year wide receiver.
Meanwhile, Higgins, who is expected to receive the franchise tag, could command over $30 million per year on the open market. Represented by the same agency, Chase and Higgins hold considerable leverage over the Bengals, a team known for its rigid contract policies. The financial balancing act will be a major storyline for Cincinnati as they navigate the upcoming season.
Matthew Stafford (NFL)Jacksonville Jaguars Face Challenges After Trent Baalke’s Firing and GM Search Continues
The Jacksonville Jaguars find themselves in an unusual situation as the only NFL team currently without a general manager. The sudden firing of Trent Baalke has left the team scrambling ahead of the NFL Combine, making the hiring process even more crucial. Ian Cunningham, the Bears’ assistant GM, is seen as the frontrunner for the job, given his impressive resume, which includes Super Bowl wins with both Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Sources indicate that Jaguars owner Shad Khan and his son Tony are high on Cunningham, with expectations that he will solidify his candidacy in an in-person interview. However, even after hiring a GM, Jacksonville will face challenges in assembling a complete staff in time for key offseason preparations.
Kellen Moore is expected to hire Brandon Staley as the New Orleans Saints’ new defensive coordinator, a move that reunites the former Chargers head coach with his one-time offensive coordinator. While Staley’s tenure as the Chargers’ head coach was underwhelming, his defensive acumen is well-regarded.
In 2020, he led the Rams to the league’s top-ranked defense, excelling in sacks, total defense, and points allowed. The Saints, who struggled significantly on defense last season, ranking near the bottom of the league in multiple categories, hope Staley can help revitalize their unit. His hiring represents a much-needed shift for a team aiming to remain competitive in the NFC South.
Matthew Stafford (NFL)NFL Combine as a Crucial Event Shaping Matthew Stafford’s Future and Free Agency
The NFL Combine serves as a crucial event for teams not just in evaluating draft prospects but also in laying the groundwork for free agency. Executives, agents, and team representatives all gather in Indianapolis, leading to key negotiations and trade discussions that shape the offseason landscape.
This year, with major contract decisions looming for players like Stafford, Chase, and Higgins, as well as major front-office moves like Jacksonville’s GM hire, the Combine will be more than just a scouting event—it will be a catalyst for franchise-defining decisions.
With free agency approaching, the next few weeks will be pivotal in shaping the 2024 NFL season. The Rams must decide on Stafford’s future, the Bengals need to navigate contract negotiations with their star receivers, and the Jaguars must finalize their front office structure. Meanwhile, the Saints are banking on a defensive overhaul under Staley. As teams convene in Indianapolis, the moves made behind the scenes will set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable offseason.
