How the Matthew Stafford domino could impact Sam Darnold’s NFL future

How the Matthew Stafford domino could impact Sam Darnold’s NFL future

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.”

Sam Darnold experienced a career resurgence with the Vikings during the 2024 season. Getty Images

“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 future of Rams QB Matthew Stafford remains up in the air. Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

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.”

Matthew Stafford and the Rams topped the Vikings and Sam Darnold in the wild-card round in January 2025. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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.

Matthew Stafford and the Rams reached the Divisional Round of the playoffs in Jauary 2025. AP

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.

Related Posts

BREAKING NEWSJohn Elway’s agent and business partner’s cause of death revealed after horrific golf cart tragedy

BREAKING NEWSJohn Elway’s agent and business partner’s cause of death revealed after horrific golf cart tragedy

John Elway’s agent and business partner Jeff Sperbeck died as a result of blunt head trauma after their horrific golf cart accident, a coroner has ruled. Sperbeck,…

Robert Saleh grateful for ‘therapy’ after getting fired by the Jets last season

Robert Saleh grateful for ‘therapy’ after getting fired by the Jets last season

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh opened up on the impact that his firing last season had on him. Last season, expectations were high for Saleh…

Shock ‘heavy favorite’ emerges to broadcast its first NFL game in Week 1 next season

Shock ‘heavy favorite’ emerges to broadcast its first NFL game in Week 1 next season

A shock ‘heavy favorite’ of YouTube has emerged to broadcast its first NFL game next season in Week 1’s South American showpiece from Brazil.  The video-sharing website…

NFL fans laugh at Kenny Pickett’s tiny hands as he begins workouts with Cleveland Browns

NFL fans laugh at Kenny Pickett’s tiny hands as he begins workouts with Cleveland Browns

NFL fans are having a field day on social media, laughing at Kenny Pickett’s tiny hands as he begins offseason workouts for the Cleveland Browns with a…

EXCLUSIVENFL rival Josh Allen’s savage swipe at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship

EXCLUSIVENFL rival Josh Allen’s savage swipe at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s relationship

Travis Kelce once said that he used to dream of being like Josh Allen. But the feeling isn’t mutual, the Daily Mail can reveal. Fierce rivals with…

Tom Brady’s feelings on Gisele Bundchen potentially marrying Joaquim Valente are revealed

Tom Brady’s feelings on Gisele Bundchen potentially marrying Joaquim Valente are revealed

Tom Brady could be invited to a wedding party if ex-wife Gisele Bundchen remarries Joaquim Valente in the future, it has been claimed. NFL legend Brady and…