Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford believes the Los Angeles Rams are a viable competitor in its commercial market, sources for Jeremy Fowler of ESPN said Friday.
While it’s unclear what the Rams can do with quarterback Jared Goff’s long-term deal on the books, they’ve explored the possibilities with Stafford, sources said.
Goff’s cut would cost the Rams $ 65.2 million in dead money; its trading would cost $ 22.2 million.
Rams CEO Les Snead said earlier this week that it would not be easy to exceed the amount of money invested in Goff, but added that “anything can be done” in a salary cap system when was asked if it would be possible to move on from the former pick no.
The Lions front office is very familiar with the situation of Rams’ salary cap. CEO Brad Holmes was a longtime Rams executive before landing his GM job in Detroit earlier this month.
The Lions and Stafford last week agreed to a separation. A source familiar with the situation told ESPN on Saturday night that the lions will be looking for “fair market value” for Stafford, which is the franchise leader in every major passenger category.
NFL teams began contacting the Lions about Stafford earlier this week, sources told Adam Schefter of ESPN.
The Stafford transaction will mean $ 19 million in dead money for lei in 2021, saving $ 14 million in space for next season. There is also a deadline, as Stafford has a $ 10 million bonus on March 22, the fifth day of the league’s new year.
Stafford will leave Detroit whenever he is changed, after throwing 45,109 yards, 282 touchdowns and 144 interceptions. The Lions made three playoff appearances with Stafford, losing three times in the wild-card round.
Michael Rothstein and Lindsey Thiry contributed to this report.