2 weeks Ago
ESPN analyst Mina Kimes was just speculating on one of the interesting possibilities in circulation: Matthew Stafford may be a major trade asset for the Las Vegas Raiders . Following the Los Angeles Rams ' struggling start to the season and, subsequently, the crumbling of that offensive line under a string of injuries, Kimes floated the idea that Stafford may go to Vegas with a rekindled possibility of working with star wide receiver Davante Adams to salvage the Raiders' quarterback situation. Also read - The Most Memorable Super Bowl Performances The Rams slumped to 0-2 after the brutal loss of Week 2 against the Arizona Cardinals, whose issues stem from a weak and injury-plagued offensive line.
Kimes has pointed out the core of the issue, mostly on the interior line that kept Stafford vulnerable. She described the challenge before the Rams as they attempt to rebuild: Rams' Offensive Line Woes "I think there needs to be a little bit of an evaluation period with regards to some of these offensive linemen coming back. Havenstein is coming back from the injury.
You're getting your left-tackle starter back, Johnson, who was suspended for the first two games. But the interior of that line is so damaged," Kimes said. As Kimes said, given the Rams' miserable start to the season and accumulating injuries, if they do decide to part ways with Stafford as part of a rebuilding process, somebody else might benefit from all the experience he brings to the franchise and the tremendous talent that Stafford possesses.
Could Stafford Join the Raiders? Mina Kimes floated the Raiders as an ideal landing spot for Stafford. With Las Vegas boasting a strong defence and one of the league's top receivers in Davante Adams, Stafford could be the missing piece to elevate the team's offence, especially since the Raiders lack a true elite quarterback to lead them. "If they call that, then it's about which teams we are talking about," Kimes said.
"I kinda wanna pitch one to you guys: the Raiders. Watching the first two weeks of that, that is a very good defense. Davante Adams is still one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
Bowers looks like a dude. Imagine Matthew—I'm just throwing it out there,, " Kimes said. With the Raiders looking promising elsewhere but striving to find some stability at quarterback, the pairing of Stafford with Adams by Kimes just might have some legs behind it, particularly as Stafford could represent an upgrade at the quarterback position in desperate need.
Jimmy Garoppolo Next? Of course, a trade that brought in Stafford could potentially push present Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo out of a starting job in Sin City. But Kimes also alluded to a silver lining for Garoppolo: If Stafford ends up in Oakland, Garoppolo is likely to become Sean McVay 's new man in Los Angeles and revive his career like Baker Mayfield revived his when he became the latest to start the Rams before moving to Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start. This potential quarterback swap might actually end up helping both teams.
Stafford gets a shot at competing for a starting spot with an offensive line that could prove to be special in Vegas, while Garoppolo may have some hope of re-establishing himself as a starting quarterback under McVay's system. Stafford and Adams a Winning Combination? If it happens, the raid will make Matthew Stafford and Davante Adams a force to watch on offence. Adams has been the most dangerous of NFL weapons, and Stafford's arm adds to it with an element that makes Raiders offence all the more exciting right away.
As things stand, the Rams would appear to continue rebuilding with the youthful talent while weathering the injuries to their offensive line. It is all speculative at this point, but Mina Kimes pitching Stafford to the Raiders is one worth paying attention to as the season plays out. Also read - Record-Breaking Viewership for NFL's 2024 Season Kickoff.
