Shortly after the 2020 season, the Detroit Lions made a trade that altered their history. Matthew Stafford, who had been with the Lions for over a decade as their starting quarterback, wanted to go somewhere he could win and was ultimately traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
The trade has worked out for both sides as the Rams won the Super Bowl in Stafford’s first season in Los Angeles and Detroit became one of the top teams in the NFC behind Jared Goff. But while Goff may be in Detroit for the next decade, Stafford may be on the way out – especially if his wife has anything to say about it.
Matthew Stafford’s Wife Hints That He Could Ask the Rams For A Trade
Kelly Stafford discussed her husband's situation on the latest episode of “The Morning After” podcast. While she said that she and Matthew enjoy living in Los Angeles, she also brought up the possibility that he could ask for a trade due to his contract demands and the pending trade of Cooper Kupp.
“My husband wants to win. He’s not trying to put his team in a bad situation,” Kelly Stafford said. “I will say the trading away of Cooper, I guess I’m confused. Because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship and I think if we go, we win.”
Kelly also added that while she likes L.A., she's open to new adventures at this point in life.
Stafford’s time in Los Angeles began with a championship but has become complicated in recent years. Stafford only played in nine games in 2022 due to a neck injury, though he's bounced back since, throwing for 7,727 yards, 44 touchdowns and 19 interceptions while leading the Rams to the playoffs twice.
Yet, Stafford’s return to L.A. almost didn’t happen this season due to his contract demands. The two sides agreed to a deal that paid the 36-year-old $46.1 million this season, but could push for north of $50 million according to SI’s Albert Breer during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show this week.
"What if [Stafford] wants a market correction and says…seven or eight guys are making over $50 million? I want $50 million. There’s just a lot of stuff there where if I’m another team, I’m making that call.”
For what it’s worth, Kelly Stafford hinted she would be up for a move from L.A.
“I have to be the dog in the situation being like I want the respect for him that he deserves. Yes, I love the city of L.A. I love the city of L.A. With that being said, I love an adventure.”
If Stafford is traded, it would add another layer to the deal that sent him out of Detroit and provide another case of deja vu for Lions fans who have been here before.