Would it be worth it to acquire 37-year-old?
The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly one of the teams interested in trading for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. Tuesday, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported Raiders’ part owner Tom Brady is recruiting Stafford to Las Vegas by reaching out to his camp. Wednesday, it was reported the Raiders strongly in the mix for Stafford.
Here are some pros and cons for Las Vegas of pursuing Stafford.
Pros
One of the best options:
This isn’t a great offseason to need a quarterback. the options are thin in free agency and the draft class isn’t considered to be top heavy. So, the fact that a Super Bowl-winning quarterback with the ability of Stafford may be available is worth considering.
Can help win now:
New Raiders coach Pete Carroll has said the goal is for the Raiders to compete in 2025 after a 4-13 season in 2024. Getting Stafford could help kickstart the Raiders’ chances in the strong AFC West.
A good fit with Pete Carroll:
Carroll and Stafford are familiar with each from their time together in the NFC West. They are both Super Bowl champions and are both highly experienced in their respective goals. They’d probably be on the same page together, Also, Raiders quarterbacks coach Greg Olson has history with Stafford. He was a senior offensive coach with the Rams in 2022.
Cons
Have to give up compensation:
The Rams reportedly are seeking a first-round pick in return for Stafford. There’s no way the Raiders should surrender the No. 6 overall pick for a 37-year-old player. So, the price tag could be a stumbling block, especially if a bidding war begins.
Won’t be cheap:
Stafford reportedly will be seeking a multi-year contract worth in the $50 million range. Yes, the Raiders are projected to about around $10 million in salary-cap space in 2025 (the second most in the league), but spending that kind of money at the quarterback position would eat into that amount for a team with a lot of needs.
Short-term answer:
At 37, Stafford isn’t going to play forever. So, the Raiders would be looking for their long-term solution at quarterback in the near future again if they do trade for him.
Conclusion:
It will likely come down to trade-compensation cost. With, at least, three other teams reportedly interested in Stafford, the price-tag may get high. So, the Raiders need to be careful when it comes to adding a quarterback they will likely have to replace soon, anyway. This can’t be anther repeat of the Carson Palmer trade. But, fi the price is right, this move is worth considering for Las Vegas.