The New York Giants have a legitimate chance to secure one of the top two quarterbacks in the 2025 NFL Draft, but they might find an even better option through a trade. While the Tennessee Titans currently hold the first overall pick, they are far from guaranteed to select a quarterback, leaving the possibility that either Miami’s Cam Ward or Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders could still be available when New York makes its selection at No. 3. However, an intriguing alternative has emerged in the form of a potential trade involving Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
The Rams appear to be entering a rebuilding phase, as evidenced by their decision to allow Stafford, a former Super Bowl champion, to explore trade opportunities before the start of free agency in March. This situation presents two key takeaways: first, Stafford is officially on the trade market, and second, the Rams might be interested in moving up in the draft to secure a top prospect. If Los Angeles decides to reset at quarterback, they could look to swap picks with the Giants in order to select one of the highly touted young signal-callers.
ESPN’s Mina Kimes and Kevin Clark recently discussed a hypothetical trade scenario on The Mina Kimes Show Featuring Lenny, suggesting that New York could trade its third overall pick to the Rams in exchange for Stafford and Los Angeles’ No. 26 selection in the first round. Clark posed the question, “Would the Giants take a pick swap in the first round for Matthew Stafford?” Kimes responded enthusiastically, stating, “I would do it if I’m the Giants. I would absolutely do that. No question.”
Kimes went on to compare Stafford to Cam Ward, emphasizing the value of having a proven veteran over an untested rookie. Stafford, who turned 37 the day before the most recent Super Bowl, still has two years left on his current $160 million contract but is reportedly seeking a new deal. “I like Cam Ward,” Kimes said. “I would rather have three years of Matthew Stafford playing at his level than these rookie quarterbacks, personally, based on what I’ve seen.”
A trade involving Stafford would come with significant financial implications for the Rams. If Los Angeles were to trade him before June 1, they would incur a cap hit of roughly $45 million, while designating the trade after June 1 would reduce that number to around $23 million. Releasing Stafford outright would be even more costly, making it clear that trading him is the most financially viable option for the Rams. This means that if the Giants—or any other team—want Stafford, a trade is the only realistic way to acquire him.
With the Rams looking toward the future and the Giants seeking a long-term solution at quarterback, this potential deal could benefit both teams. New York would acquire a proven veteran capable of leading them immediately, while Los Angeles would gain a prime draft position to select a young quarterback to build around for the future.
