If Cooper Kupp is available, so should Matthew Stafford

If the Rams hold a fire sale, it makes perfect sense to acquire a player who wouldn't complain if he was literally on fire.

With the Reports are increasing As for potentially trading receiver Cooper Kupp, why not also consider trading quarterback Matthew Stafford?

We I floated the idea 10 days agoand approaches the matter from the perspective Stafford might want. Now that the Rams have activated their patented media trade interest machine for Kupp, it makes sense for the Rams to see what they can get for Stafford as well.

The Rams are taking a year-by-year approach to Stafford. A contract change in 2024 that was supposed to give him security beyond this season didn't do much. A Stafford retirement or offseason release or trade is very possible. Why don't you swap him now?

There are rumors that the Vikings and Rams may be talking, which we have not confirmed. I was openly in favor of the move because Stafford would make the Vikings a legitimate Super Bowl contender. Especially since he's already won a Super Bowl when Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, offensive coordinator Wes Phillips and quarterbacks coach Chris O'Hara were on the LA team.

The ripcord was pulled when it was recently reported that the Rams were receiving calls about Kupp. As a source with knowledge of the dynamic explained to PFT, the Rams will call certain reporters and say things like, “We're getting calls.” [insert player name] and I suppose we would be open to a trade with him, but the price has to be right. The teams want us to pay part of the salary, but it would have to be a good deal.” Then the reporters report on it.

As the source accurately noted, why would teams call the Rams about Stafford and then reveal the fact that they called the Rams? If you want a player, keep your mouth shut to avoid a bidding war.

They didn't try to create a trade market for Stafford. Maybe because if Stafford were willing to be traded, he would have a preferred destination. A 5-1 team where he knows the key coaches, the playbook and the organization is capable of competing for a Super Bowl berth.

Especially if Stafford were on the team.

This is not an insult to Sam Darnold. It's just a reflection of reality. If Steelers coach Mike Tomlin can choose Russell Wilson over Justin Fields because Wilson gives the Steelers a better chance at winning a title, then why can't the Vikings choose Stafford over Darnold for the exact same reason?

Darnold should get the tap on the shoulder this year whenever JJ McCarthy was ready. If Darnold gets the tap instead because Stafford fell into the team's lap, can Darnold really complain?