Should the Raiders Trade for Matthew Stafford? A Deep Dive into the Potential Benefits and Risks
The Las Vegas Raiders are a franchise at a crossroads. With an aging roster, a quarterback situation that remains in flux, and a fan base eager for consistent playoff success, the Raiders are considering their options to improve the team for the future. One of the most intriguing possibilities floating around the NFL rumor mill is the potential trade for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford, a proven NFL starter with years of experience, could provide the Raiders with a more stable and accomplished quarterback option than what they currently have. However, this decision is not without its challenges, both on the field and off. In this analysis, we will break down the pros and cons of the Raiders pursuing a trade for Stafford and weigh the possible impact on the team’s future.
The Case for Trading for Matthew Stafford
1. Veteran Leadership and Experience
Matthew Stafford is a quarterback who has been in the NFL for over 14 seasons, spending the majority of his career with the Detroit Lions before joining the Los Angeles Rams. Throughout his career, Stafford has faced countless ups and downs, but he has remained a consistently productive player. Despite playing for a team that struggled for much of his tenure in Detroit, Stafford has amassed over 45,000 career passing yards and 290 touchdown passes, showcasing his ability to put up impressive numbers.
For the Raiders, Stafford would bring a wealth of experience to the quarterback room. One of the key attributes the Raiders have been missing in recent years is consistent leadership at the quarterback position. Derek Carr, who had been the team’s starter for nine seasons, was never able to take the next step into elite territory, which ultimately led to his departure. With Stafford, the Raiders would gain a proven leader who can handle pressure situations and step up when needed. Stafford’s playoff experience, including winning a Super Bowl with the Rams, would be invaluable for a Raiders team that is looking to break out of mediocrity and into the postseason with greater regularity.
2. Immediate Upgrade in Quarterback Play
The Raiders have a significant need at quarterback. While they have explored options like trading for Aaron Rodgers and drafting young quarterbacks, bringing in a seasoned veteran like Stafford would be an immediate upgrade over their current situation. Stafford’s arm strength, mobility, and accuracy make him a dangerous quarterback in any offensive scheme. He can make all the throws, from deep bombs down the field to precise sideline passes. For a Raiders offense that already features talented skill players like Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, Stafford’s ability to deliver the ball accurately and on time could elevate the entire unit.
In particular, the Raiders could benefit from Stafford’s deep ball accuracy. Adams, who is one of the league’s premier wide receivers, excels at tracking down deep passes, and Stafford has historically been one of the best deep ball throwers in the NFL. This connection could give the Raiders a dynamic passing attack and increase the overall explosiveness of their offense.
3. A Window of Opportunity
The Raiders find themselves in a competitive division with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers, both of which boast top-tier quarterbacks and playoff-caliber teams. If the Raiders hope to stay competitive in this environment, they need to make a move that positions them to win now. While Stafford may not be in his prime, his current skill set remains above average compared to other quarterbacks who are available via trade. His experience and proficiency could immediately improve the Raiders’ chances of contending for a playoff spot and even making a run at the division title in the short term.
With the right pieces around him, Stafford could help the Raiders unlock their potential and push them into legitimate playoff contention. Moreover, his leadership and composure in high-pressure moments could be exactly what the team needs to succeed in the cutthroat AFC West.
The Case Against Trading for Matthew Stafford
1. Injury Concerns
Matthew Stafford has played through several injuries during his career, and his age (he will turn 37 in 2025) adds to concerns about his long-term durability. Over the past few seasons, Stafford has dealt with injuries to his back, elbow, and neck, all of which have raised questions about his ability to maintain a high level of play over a full season. The Raiders could be taking a significant risk by trading for a quarterback who might not be able to play a full 17-game schedule or could regress further due to injury concerns.
In particular, Stafford’s 2022 season was marred by an elbow injury, and he missed significant time in 2023 with a neck issue. While Stafford is a tough and resilient player, there is no guarantee that he will be able to stay healthy for the remainder of his career, especially given the physical toll the quarterback position takes over time. For the Raiders, this raises the question of whether it is worth committing assets to a player who may not be able to stay on the field.
2. Potential for Decline
Although Stafford played a key role in helping the Rams win a Super Bowl in 2021, his performance in subsequent seasons has been inconsistent. In 2022 and 2023, he struggled at times with turnovers and a lack of cohesion in the Rams’ offense, which was in a state of transition. Stafford’s age is beginning to show, and it’s possible that his best years are behind him.
The Raiders could find themselves in a situation where they trade for Stafford only to watch him decline further, which could leave the team in a difficult position. Given that the Raiders have been searching for long-term stability at the quarterback position, they may be better off investing in a younger, more durable option who can grow with the team rather than taking a chance on a veteran whose best years are potentially behind him.
3. The Financial Burden
Trading for Matthew Stafford would also come with financial considerations. Stafford has a hefty contract, and the Raiders would need to clear cap space to accommodate his salary. In 2025, Stafford’s cap hit will be $49 million, a number that could severely limit the Raiders’ ability to build a balanced team around him. The Raiders already have to manage contracts for key players like Adams, Jacobs, and others, so committing a significant portion of their salary cap to a quarterback with uncertain long-term value may not be the most prudent decision.
Moreover, if the Raiders were to trade for Stafford and his performance declined, they could be stuck with an expensive contract that hampers their flexibility in building the rest of the roster. Given that the Raiders are in need of help in multiple areas, such as defense and offensive line, it might make more sense for them to keep their cap space open for future investments rather than taking on Stafford’s large contract.
Conclusion
The decision to trade for Matthew Stafford is far from clear-cut. On one hand, Stafford’s leadership, experience, and ability to elevate an offense could provide the Raiders with an immediate boost in their playoff aspirations. On the other hand, concerns about his injury history, potential for further decline, and large financial commitment could make the trade a risky proposition.
Ultimately, the Raiders must weigh the short-term and long-term impacts of acquiring Stafford. If they are looking for a quick fix to stay competitive in the tough AFC West, Stafford might be the right choice. However, if they are focused on building a sustainable future, the Raiders might be better served exploring younger quarterbacks or looking for other options in free agency or the draft.
While Stafford is a talented and proven quarterback, the Raiders will need to carefully evaluate whether trading for him is the best move for both their immediate future and their long-term goals.
