Out of seemingly nowhere, speculation has swirled about a potential blockbuster trade between the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams involving veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The trade would shake the NFL landscape for sure, and it's fair to wonder what exactly the G-Men would have to give up to acquire the former Super Bowl champ.
Would the Giants, desperate for a quarterback, be willing to part with their coveted No. 3 overall pick to land the former Super Bowl champion? According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, that’s a firm and resounding no.
Appearing on Talkin' Ball with Pat Leonard, Schefter shut down the idea that New York would even consider using their top draft pick in a deal for Stafford. "There is no way in hell that the Giants are giving up the third overall pick for Matthew Stafford," Schefter said bluntly. While that may seem obvious to most, it's an important clarification given the rampant trade speculation.
Just had @AdamSchefter on Talkin' Ball with Pat Leonard. He told me "there is no way in hell that the #Giants are giving up the third overall pick for Matthew Stafford" if trade talks ever occur. But it might not even come to that.
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) February 13, 2025
Schefter said the #Rams' "first priority" is to… pic.twitter.com/vKUqwoXSQA
But Schefter didn’t stop there. He also reported that the Rams’ “first priority” is to keep Stafford, believing they can work out a new deal with him. Additionally, Stafford himself wants to stay in Los Angeles. So while trade rumors will likely persist, the reality is that this scenario may not even get off the ground.
Could Stafford to the Giants still happen?
Despite the Rams’ intent to retain Stafford, the situation remains fluid. Stafford has two years left on his deal, but only $4 million is fully guaranteed for 2025. That means a contract adjustment is almost certainly coming. If negotiations hit a snag, or if Stafford pushes for a raise that L.A. is unwilling to give, things could change quickly.
From the Giants' perspective, the idea of acquiring Stafford remains intriguing—but only at the right price. General manager Joe Schoen isn't about to mortgage the team’s future for a 37-year-old quarterback, but if the Rams lower their demands, a deal could become more realistic. As NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal noted, “I'd be stunned if the Rams got a top-five pick for him.”
If Stafford does become available, the Giants could explore a trade centered around a third-round pick and a conditional selection for 2026. A deal structured like that makes far more sense for a team still in rebuilding mode.
At the end of the day, Stafford landing in New York remains a long shot. The Rams seem committed to keeping him, and the Giants aren't willing to overpay. But if negotiations between Stafford and L.A. go sideways, don't be surprised if this rumor starts heating up all over again.