Once again, the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves caught in the middle of a leverage play. This time, it was Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford using the Raiders as a bargaining chip to secure more money from his current team. And, unfortunately for the Raiders, it worked out exactly as Stafford hoped.
The Raiders are in desperate need of a quarterback, and the idea of acquiring a Super Bowl-winning QB who was once regarded as one of the most talented passers in the game seemed like a dream come true. However, that dream was quickly dashed, leaving the Raiders to realize it was more of a fantasy than a reality. Despite this, they genuinely believed they had a shot.
Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Raiders saw pursuing Matthew Stafford as a logical move. This year’s draft class didn’t have much talent at the quarterback position, and the Raiders had plenty of cap space to spend, especially with other pressing needs that could be addressed through the draft. But, as we know now, Stafford wasn’t truly on the table, unless the Raiders consider alternatives like Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold or former Jets and Packers QB Aaron Rodgers.
"It never really got close."#Rams HC Sean McVay on the Rams potentially trading Matthew Stafford before ultimately agreeing to an extension. pic.twitter.com/qPIAIaJHt8
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 3, 2025
Stafford demanded $50 million per year, and the Raiders, with around $100 million in cap space heading into the 2025 league year, were ready to meet his demands. The Rams, however, weren’t willing to offer that figure. But once the New York Giants and Raiders showed they would, the Rams had no choice but to reconsider.
To make matters worse, it seems the Raiders never stood much of a chance. “It never really got close. I think the important thing is, at the start of this process, I had been pretty open about some of the communication and clarity that was deserved,” Rams head coach Sean McVay shared on the Dan Patrick Show. “I wanted to be clear and have open dialogue throughout that process. The end goal in mind was always to get him back. I realized how much I wanted to get that solved when I realized how much better I had been sleeping the last few nights.”
While McVay may just be speaking out of competition or to maintain a competitive edge, it certainly feels like the Raiders never really had a chance when looking back on how everything played out.
However, the Raiders will eventually get their opportunity to secure a quarterback. It might take some time, but their turn will come.
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