The Rams’ season came to an end yesterday, and as a result questions have been raised regarding Matthew Stafford. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback is still under contract, but he and the team are in the midst of a year-to-year approach. 
Stafford negotiated a restructured deal this offseason, one which moved up $5MM of his scheduled compensation for the 2024 season. In terms of locked in money moving forward, though, only a $4MM roster bonus due in mid-March remains. Between that financial situation and the fact he will be 37 next season, Stafford’s playing future is a talking point.
“I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball,” the two-time Pro Bowler said when speaking after the Rams’ divisional round loss (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop). Upon being asked if he can continue playing at this point in his career, Stafford responded, “sure feels like it.”
Those remarks certainly suggest the former No. 1 pick will be willing to play in 2025. Obviously, no firm decision on that front has been made yet, however, and finalizing Stafford’s future will be key before the Rams can move forward. The team was linked to attempting a trade before the 2023 campaign, but he remained in place and delivered a healthy season. That was again the case this year, and Stafford helped lead a team in transition (especially on defense) to the second round of the postseason.
Head coach Sean McVay said in May he is comfortable keeping the longtime Lions starter in the fold as long as he wishes to continue playing. Los Angeles does not have a long-term successor in place, and since veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is a pending free agent the team may need a new backup shortly. Provided Stafford can remain healthy for 2025, however, he should be able to again provide the Rams with strong QB play.
McVay noted Stafford had been dealing with a nagging rib injury through yesterday’s contest, during which the issue was aggravated. A repeat of situations like that – or, of course, more serious ailments – could emerge moving forward considering Stafford’s history and his age. The Rams would be hard-pressed to find an upgrade this offseason, though, and early indications suggest that might not be necessary.
Who isn’t contemplating the future every day lol what
He’s returning. He’s playing well. The team in on the upswing. Only possible issue is whether McVay leaes, but he did a remarkable job with an average team this year so…
Heck of a coach.
He’s playing great hope he comes back. Lord help that city and those people
Unless Snead tries to get rid of him again. Honestly, it’s felt like Stafford has been on the edge of retirement every year since coming to L.A., but it’s mostly been a function of the team balking at him actually wanting to play out that contract that thy gave him.
Stafford’s still playing well-part of me wonders whether the team’s “want him one day, try to trade him/adjust his desk the next” attitude gives him extra motivation to prove that he is still a high end quarterback.
Agreed! I didn’t expect them to be that competitive
If I was 37 and had enough money to last me the rest of my life (assuming he has saved) then I would think about retirement sometimes, also.
And don’t forget the additional revenue rolling in to him for endorsements and commercials for Wills & Sleep Number Beds !!
Once he retires he gets tossed the rest of his days with his wife and four girls. That’s enough to make any man hang on to his job as long as possible
Yeah, having a family to spend time with is such a drag. /s
Lmao
One could write a book on the things we think about but don’t talk about
Don’t we all?
Hopefully Jimmy G is a Giant he can start well they groom a rookie behind him.
He has a bright future of being roped into commercials for weird products that it makes no sense for him to be endorsing solely because they are also willing to hire his wife.
He will probably do them a solid and return, but they must draft a QB with actual talent that can learn behind him. The TCU & Bennett kid were never real NFL products. But McVay might leave if he actually has to rebuild a team.
Matty is one of the few QBs who doesn’t have a massive ego so it’s hard not to like him. He paid his dues for years with mediocre and bad Detroit teams. Finally got the respect he deserved and a championship ring to boot. Nothing left to prove but he’s an old school warrior so he won’t lay down his sword if there is still a chance to win battles.
I really thought he would pull that game out but the line couldnt keep Carter off him. A better offensive line next year could do wonders. No reason to retire yet. What younger QB can throw better than him?