What happened: Calls are mounting for the Minnesota Vikings to acquire quarterback Matthew Stafford from the Los Angeles Rams ahead of Tuesday's NFL trade deadline. The push follows Minnesota's 23-6 loss to the Buffalo Bills, where starting quarterback Carson Wentz completed 8 of 25 passes for 81 yards and two interceptions. Los Angeles faces offensive uncertainty after placing wide receiver Puka Nacua on injured reserve.
Why it matters: A deal would reunite Stafford with Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, who served as his offensive coordinator during the Rams' 2021 Super Bowl run, while pairing him with wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. For Los Angeles, moving Stafford would clear a path for rookie quarterback Ty Simpson, selected 13th overall in the 2026 draft. Minnesota sits at 6-2 in the playoff race but struggles with downfield passing efficiency.
By the numbers: In 2026 through 9 games, Matthew Stafford has completed 230 of 346 passes for 2,374 yards with 16 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. Carson Wentz has completed 23 of 39 passes for 276 yards with 3 touchdowns in 2026 through 2 games for Minnesota, which managed 81 passing yards in Monday's 23-6 loss to Buffalo.
What to watch: The NFL trade deadline closes Tuesday afternoon as Minnesota evaluates its quarterback depth. The Rams prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10.