Will Matthew Stafford be a potential trade candidate?

As the trade deadline approaches, more interesting names could enter the rumor mill.

One name that could be very interesting heading into November 5th is Matthew Stafford.

The Rams quarterback may be in his final season with the team, regardless of whether the Rams can turn around a 1-4 start. If the Rams could convert the rest of his contract into draft picks through 2024 and he could get a fresh start somewhere else, it makes sense to at least consider it.

The challenge is to find a new team. No true contender needs a quarterback right now. It is possible that this will happen on the Tuesday after Week 9.

For example, if the Jets delivered a plan to make Sam Darnold look mortal, the Vikings would be wise (if they lose to the Lions and then Stafford’s Rams) to at least consider the possibility of an upgrade. (Coincidentally, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and Stafford worked together for a year in LA and both won a Super Bowl ring for their efforts.)

It is more likely that the goal will be determined by injuries. We still have four weekends of football to go before the window closes. A season-ending injury is enough for Stafford to have a new home. And that the Rams get a nice return.

In 2011, the Bengals and quarterback Carson Palmer were at an impasse. Two days before the trade deadline, Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell suffered a broken collarbone. That sparked a Palmer trade to Oakland.

The same applies here: all it takes is one. (We are not naming names lest we be accused of invoking a dreaded curse.)

However, things could still be hot for the Rams. You have this week off. If they can win in Weeks 7, 8 and 9, they may decide to leave it with Stafford.

However, if they lose two of the next three, Stafford could become a candidate for a deadline deal with a contender that would sign a guy who is still a top-10 quarterback.