Kurt Warner remains a beloved figure in Los Angeles Rams franchise history, having won two NFL MVP awards and a Super Bowl with the franchise in its St. Louis days.
But the NFL Network analyst said he does not understand what the Rams are doing now as trade rumors swirl around quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford led the team to a Super Bowl win to cap the 2021 season. The 37-year-old pivot is still playing at a high level and has two years remaining on a four-year, $160 million contract.
As the two sides discuss an extension, the Rams have already announced they are looking to trade star wide receiver Cooper Kupp. That’s led to speculation Stafford might be next out the door.
Warner recently told TalkSport.com he thinks that would be a huge mistake.
“If you want to win as a team, then you don’t get rid of guys like that,” Warner said. “I think so much of decisions like that become do you feel that your team can be competitive for the next couple of years? Matt, he’s a top-five, top-seven quarterback in the league at this point, no matter where you want to stack him up.”
The Rams finished 10-7 last season. Warner questioned the wisdom in moving Stafford when he thinks the team is capable of winning right now.
“It sounds like they want to make a trade for Cooper,” Warner said. “Do they feel like they’re not in that window? But I look at this team and what they did this year, and they took the [Philadelphia] Eagles to the end with a chance to win.
“They got a great young defense. Puka Nacua is unbelievable. Matthew’s playing at a tremendous level … I know he wants to play a couple more years.
“If I’m the Rams and I believe my window to win is right now, there’s no way I would even think about moving him.”
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.