There is no denying that Matthew Stafford remains one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Los Angeles Rams have continued to show their confidence in him. However, the Rams are 5-4 through nine weeks of this season, and Stafford has yet to reproduce the form that made him the league’s MVP last year.

While Stafford hasn’t necessarily been playing poorly, his performances have fallen short of the exceptional standard he established last season. With Los Angeles also dealing with multiple crucial injuries, questions about Stafford’s long-term future have started to emerge.

Amid this backdrop, former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert has now floated a surprising trade idea.

Kurt Benkert Proposes Blockbuster Matthew Stafford Trade Amid Rams’ Struggle

Stafford is coming off an exceptional season, proving his worth as one of the league’s most productive passers. He completed 65% of his attempts for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, while earning the MVP award.

The Rams QB has accumulated 2,374 passing yards, 16 touchdowns, and nine interceptions this season. He also holds a 76.6 PFN QB Impact Score, placing him 15th among quarterbacks.

Additionally, the Rams already started preparing for life after Stafford, selecting Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Alabama product agreed to a four-year rookie deal with the Rams, and the team will hold an option for a fifth season.

The initial expectation was that Simpson would spend time developing behind Stafford before eventually becoming the franchise’s starting quarterback. However, Benkert believes Los Angeles should consider moving Stafford now rather than sticking with that plan.

“Hear me out. The Rams trade Stafford to the Vikings. They probably aren’t Super Bowl bound anyway with all the offensive injuries + they used a first on Ty Simpson, so just commit. Get some picks. Stafford goes to a 6-2 team that’s only missing a QB,” Benkert tweeted.

The Vikings’ current situation helps explain Benkert’s suggestion, as Minnesota opened the season with six consecutive wins. But the team is now on a two-game losing streak. Its record dropped to 6-2 following their 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

Quarterback uncertainty has become a major issue for Minnesota, as questions have emerged about whether the team should continue to rely on Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz, with some seeing that approach as a frustrating response to the team’s struggles. Max Brosmer has also yet to prove that he can provide the kind of improvement Minnesota needs.

Thus, Stafford makes sense here, as he could potentially provide the stability and experience Minnesota needs. However, convincing the Rams to part ways with Stafford would likely be difficult. He remains a central figure in Sean McVay’s offensive system, and Los Angeles has consistently built its offense around his abilities.

So the proposed trade appears difficult to envision.