The phrase “will he stay or will he go” isn’t just applicable to Matthew Stafford this offseason.
With rumors continuing to swirl about the future of the Rams quarterback at this week’s NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated Wednesday how the free agency market for Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold could shake out pending the Stafford domino of it all.
“I think [the Vikings] have an interest in Sam, but what is the number that it’s going to be for Sam and is there another team out there that is willing to pay Sam more,” Schefter said Wednesday during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show.”
“And now we’re back to Matthew Stafford, because is Matthew Stafford staying in L.A. and if he’s staying in L.A., well then the Raiders didn’t get him. And if the Raiders didn’t get him, I think the Raiders would have an interest in Sam Darnold, but what if the Raiders get Matthew Stafford, then what happens to Sam Darnold, and there’s one less option. So you can see where the tentacles of the Stafford situation reach out and impact guys like Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers.”
Darnold, the Jets’ third-overall pick in 2018, had a renaissance in Minnesota last year under the tutelage of Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell, throwing 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions through 17 regular-season games.
Although the former USC star floundered in Minnesota’s final two games, including a 27-9 wild-card playoff loss to Stafford and the Rams, he’s one of the better free-agent quarterbacks potentially hitting the market.
The Vikings originally signed Darnold, 27, to a one-year deal last March before selecting J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
McCarthy underwent surgery on his meniscus during training camp last summer and hopes to have a “fair” sH๏τ at Minnesota’s starting job.
Schefter reiterated Thursday the Vikings’ interest in Darnold is “at a certain number.”
Stafford — who has been with the Rams since 2021 and won a Super Bowl in his first year with the team — also has a certain number in mind in the ballpark of $50 million, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager reported Monday amid ongoing chatter about his future.
“[The Rams and Stafford] have a fine relationship,” Schrager said earlier this week on “Good Morning Football.”
“This is nothing between them personally. This is a money issue. Matthew Stafford wants to be paid what he thinks he’s worth. He wants to be paid more than $50 million.”
Stafford, set to account for a $49 million cap hit in 2025, has been linked to the Giants and Steelers this offseason.
On Tuesday, the Las Vegas-Review Journal reported Raiders minority owner Tom Brady “has been in contact with Stafford’s camp” about a potential move.
That same day, Stafford’s reps met with Giants brᴀss at the combine in Indianapolis, The Post confirmed.
Stafford was granted permission by the Rams to speak with other teams last week.
He led Los Angeles to a Divisional Round playoff berth this past season. The Rams were bested by the eventual Super Bowl champion Eagles in January.
The Giants and Raiders are in desperate search of an answer at quarterback following disastrous 3-14 and 4-13 campaigns, respectively.
The Steelers, who finished the year at 10-7 following uneven play from Justin Fields and Russell Wilson, are also expected to be in the mix for Stafford.
Rodgers, 41, will also hit free agency as his breakup with the Jets looms after two seasons.
