As the NFL offseason officially begins for all 32 teams, we will examine what each franchise must do in free agency and the NFL Draft to emerge a better, more complete team when the 2025 season kicks off in September.
If I were Jets/Giants or Steelers looking at Stafford, I would certainly drill down to his performances outdoors in poor to nasty weather. (Not saying I have the answers.) Here's a guy who has played 85 to 90% of his career games in domes or warm weather climates. Stafford won't be a bargain, either, although his current contract is for $27 million this year for the Rams. He'll be asking for $50 million, which for most teams needing a QB is a big pay hike at the QB position. Stafford's not going to a 4-win franchise this late in his career just for the cash. What team in playoff contention is lacking either a $50 million veteran QB or a rising QB star on a rookie deal? Stafford's best combination of cash and a competitive team is to return to the Rams.
I don't disagree, but if you're the Giants (or particularly the Jets, where there's realistically just one team standing in your way of winning the division and making the playoffs), what are the better options? Jacoby Brissett? Hoping that Sam Darnold really has evolved and won't be crushed under the weight of the media environment and his past New York nightmares? Jacoby Brissett or Jameis Winston, who may be even worse in cold weather? I think Stafford's a pretty decent fit in New York, or even Pittsburgh, especially after he nearly brought the Rams back against the Eagles in that playoff game, in the snow. It's a weird QB market, and an awful year to need one. If I'm the Jets, I think I'd be aggressive here, you know?
I assume "fold the franchise" is just understood as the main move they should make at this point.
LOL, yes. I'd file that right alongside Jets fans hoping that Woody Johnson sells.
If I were Jets/Giants or Steelers looking at Stafford, I would certainly drill down to his performances outdoors in poor to nasty weather. (Not saying I have the answers.) Here's a guy who has played 85 to 90% of his career games in domes or warm weather climates. Stafford won't be a bargain, either, although his current contract is for $27 million this year for the Rams. He'll be asking for $50 million, which for most teams needing a QB is a big pay hike at the QB position. Stafford's not going to a 4-win franchise this late in his career just for the cash. What team in playoff contention is lacking either a $50 million veteran QB or a rising QB star on a rookie deal? Stafford's best combination of cash and a competitive team is to return to the Rams.
I don't disagree, but if you're the Giants (or particularly the Jets, where there's realistically just one team standing in your way of winning the division and making the playoffs), what are the better options? Jacoby Brissett? Hoping that Sam Darnold really has evolved and won't be crushed under the weight of the media environment and his past New York nightmares? Jacoby Brissett or Jameis Winston, who may be even worse in cold weather? I think Stafford's a pretty decent fit in New York, or even Pittsburgh, especially after he nearly brought the Rams back against the Eagles in that playoff game, in the snow. It's a weird QB market, and an awful year to need one. If I'm the Jets, I think I'd be aggressive here, you know?
Imagine the Jets signing Stafford for $50 million and going 6-11. I'd spend every Monday morning listening to NY sports radio.