Who Should I Start? Matthew Stafford or Caleb Williams

Friday, February 21, 9:07 PM

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero said on the Rich Eisen Show on Friday that the Los Angeles Rams have given quarterback Matthew Stafford's agent permission to talk with other teams to gauge his contract value this offseason if he were to be traded. It also helps the Rams in their own negotiations with Stafford by letting the market determine what his value could be in 2025. Pelissero says that it seems like the Rams and Stafford's priority is to run it back in 2025, but if nothing is settled in a couple of weeks, a trade could become more likely. It will all come down to what Stafford views as fair compensation for his services for another year and what the Rams are willing to pay him. If the Rams and Stafford cannot agree on a new deal, the 37-year-old veteran QB will become the most coveted signal-caller available after his strong finish in which the Rams almost beat the eventual Super Bowl-champion Eagles in the playoffs.

Tuesday, January 21, 1:29 PM

The Athletic's Dan Pompei believes that new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson will likely empower quarterback Caleb Williams heading into his second year in the NFL after an up-and-down rookie campaign. Johnson gave QB Jared Goff authority with protection adjustments that not all signal-callers have while serving as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator, in addition to eliminating plays that Goff didn't like. Johnson was also a big proponent of going for it on fourth down, so the Bears offense should be much more aggressive under Williams in 2025. It's the main reason why Johnson was Chicago's top pick to be their next head coach. Despite plenty of weapons on offense in 2024, Williams was one of the worst downfield passers in his rookie season and had a 62.5% completion percentage to finish as the QB16 in fantasy. The addition of Johnson will surely make Williams a popular breakout candidate in 2025.