The NFL offseason is upon us, and teams are already making moves to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. One of the biggest names on the market is quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has spent his entire career with the Detroit Lions. After requesting a trade from the Lions, Stafford is looking for a new home where he can finally have a chance at winning a Super Bowl. And it seems that the Minnesota Vikings are emerging as the clear front-runner for the coveted quarterback’s services.
The Vikings, who had a disappointing 2020 season, have been searching for an upgrade at the quarterback position for quite some time now. Despite having a solid roster, their inconsistent quarterback play has held them back from reaching their full potential. This is where Stafford comes in. With his strong arm, leadership skills, and playoff experience, he would be the perfect fit for the Vikings’ offense.
But it’s not just the Vikings’ need for a quarterback that makes them the most likely destination for Stafford. There’s also a history between Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, the team that the Vikings are now favored over to land the quarterback. During his 12-year career with the Lions, Stafford has played the Rams nine times, more than any other team in the league. And he has had some of his best performances against them.
In his nine games against the Rams, Stafford has thrown for 2,562 yards and 17 touchdowns, with a passer rating of 98.9. This includes a 2015 game where he threw for five touchdowns and led the Lions to a 31-28 victory over the Rams in St. Louis. It’s clear that Stafford has a history of success against the Rams, and that could play a factor in his decision when choosing a new team.
But the Vikings also have some history with the Rams that could make them an even more appealing destination for Stafford. In 1974, the Vikings traded Fran Tarkenton, one of their best quarterbacks in franchise history, to the New York Giants. The Giants then traded Tarkenton to the Rams, where he played for two seasons before returning to the Vikings in 1979. This trade is often referred to as one of the biggest mistakes in Vikings’ history, as Tarkenton went on to have great success in his second stint with the team.
With this history, it’s safe to say that the Vikings and Rams have a complicated relationship when it comes to quarterbacks. And it would only add to the narrative if Stafford were to follow in Tarkenton’s footsteps and join the Vikings after being traded from the Lions to the Rams.
But beyond the history and need for a quarterback, why else would Stafford choose the Vikings over other potential suitors? Well, the Vikings have a solid core of talented players on both sides of the ball. Wide receivers Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson provide Stafford with reliable targets in the passing game. And running back Dalvin Cook is coming off a Pro Bowl season where he led the league in rushing yards and total touchdowns. Not to mention, the Vikings also have a strong defense that ranked fifth in the league in points allowed per game last season.
Furthermore, the Vikings have shown a commitment to winning and building a competitive team. Despite their struggles in 2020, they have made the playoffs in three out of the last five seasons. And with head coach Mike Zimmer and general manager Rick Spielman at the helm, the organization is dedicated to bringing a Super Bowl to Minnesota.
In conclusion, it’s clear why the Vikings are deemed the number one favorite to land Stafford. Their need for a quarterback, history with the Rams, and attractive roster and organization make them a highly desirable destination for the Super Bowl quarterback. And if the Vikings can secure a deal for Stafford, it could be the start of a new era of success in Minnesota.