According to numerous reports, the New York Giants were aggressive in their pursuit of a trade for Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason, but after the latest NFL training camp news, Big Blue has to feel fortunate that the Super Bowl champion QB spurned them to remain out west.
“Sources: Rams QB Matthew Stafford is dealing with an aggravated disc and has received an epidural to help him deal with it,” NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported on August 6. “Los Angeles has called him week-to-week, being cautious, but with plans for him to be ready for Week 1.”
Even if Stafford suits up in Week 1, think about how disastrous this news would have been for the Giants if they had committed draft capital and finances to the 37-year-old Rams quarterback.
The Giants could be sitting here right now during training camp with no Jaxson Dart and a hobbled Stafford, preparing for the potential of Jameis Winston starting their season opener.
On top of that, considering pass protection is not Big Blue’s strength, coaches and fans would be forced to hold their breath every time Stafford takes a hit in the pocket. And worst of all, the Giants would likely be stuck with Stafford for the 2026 campaign as well, as they were seemingly prepared to work out a new contract agreement with the two-time Pro Bowler following a trade.
Talk about a potential catastrophe waiting to happen. General manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll dodged a major bullet by missing out on Stafford.
Popular NFL Social Media Doctor Explains Why Matthew Stafford Training Camp News Is a ‘Huge Red Flag’
GettyMissing out on Matthew Stafford may have been the best thing for the New York Giants in 2025.
While his analysis is by no means official, popular sports medicine physician and NFL social media doctor Jesse Morse gave his opinion on the Stafford news on August 6, and his prognosis wasn’t good.
“Matthew Stafford diagnosed with a herniated disk in his back and ‘hoping’ an epidural will be enough to help with the pain,” Morse relayed.
Adding: “Back pain is tricky and an epidural is essentially just a cortisone shot placed strategically to try to calm down the nerve. It doesn’t do the most important thing that truly solves this problem: stabilize the back and restrengthen the ligaments connecting the lumbar spine to the hips & sacrum. So it’s temporary at best.”
Morse concluded by calling this a “huge 🚩[red flag]” for Stafford.
Giants Should Be Thrilled They Have Russell Wilson After Matthew Stafford Training Camp News
Listen, Russell Wilson isn’t perfect, and he may not get the Giants back to the playoffs this year, but he is the right fit for this franchise as they split their focus and develop Dart.
For starters, Wilson was extremely affordable, carrying a one-year cap hit just north of $11 million. Stafford’s 2025 cap hit is approximately $47.467 million, and reports indicated he wanted a multi-season commitment.
Wilson has also been a tremendous influence on Dart and the Giants’ locker room so far. Giving Stafford the benefit of the doubt, he might have come to New York with the same mentality as Wilson, but he may have also just been looking to cash in on one last large NFL contract.
Finally, and this could be the most important reason of all that Wilson is the better fit than Stafford, he’s healthy.
Not only does Wilson look pretty spry for a 36-year-old, but he’s also been an NFL iron man throughout his career, outside of a nagging calf injury last preseason. Stafford had a similar reputation earlier in his Detroit days, but his body has begun to break down as he’s gotten older.
Entering a campaign where the Giants were tasked with bringing credibility and competitiveness back to the organization, an early Stafford injury would have blown up any and all revival plans. Instead, Schoen and Daboll have a potential future with Dart, not to mention an underrated present with Wilson.
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