Quarterback Matthew Stafford reportedly plans to return subsequent season, however the Los Angeles Rams ought to begin making ready for a future with out him.
On Wednesday’s episode of NFL Community’s “The Insiders,” Ian Rapoport mentioned the Rams count on Stafford to play in 2025 however might must revise his deal. The Tremendous Bowl champion could have the staff’s largest cap hit ($49.66M) subsequent season, per Spotrac.
Stafford’s return is a win for the Rams. In 16 regular-season video games this season, he went 10-6 and threw 20 touchdowns. Nonetheless, L.A. in all probability wonders if the growing older passer can proceed to play at a excessive degree.
Stafford turns 37 on Feb. 7. Few beginning QBs vie for Tremendous Bowls as they method their 40s. At 43, future Corridor of Famer Tom Brady turned the oldest QB to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, beating the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs in Tremendous Bowl LV.
Nonetheless, Stafford in all probability has extra put on and tear than Brady did. On a latest episode of her podcast, Stafford’s spouse, Kelly, revealed he cracked his ribs in a Week 15 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Stafford reaggravated the damage in a 28-22 divisional-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Following the loss, he told the media he was coping with the difficulty “to a various diploma for a while.”
Stafford additionally injured his proper thumb and again in 2022 and 2023, lacking 9 video games. If he suffers one other damage and misses extra video games in 2025, the Rams offense would sputter.
L.A. would not have one other confirmed QB on its energetic roster. Backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo (a former San Francisco 49ers starter) is an unrestricted free agent. In the meantime, 2023 fourth-round choose Stetson Bennett hasn’t tried a cross in a regular-season game.
The Rams might draft a Stafford substitute, maybe Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart or Ohio State QB Will Howard. Or they might signal a undertaking QB in free company, maybe Zach Wilson of the Denver Broncos.
The Rams have made two straight playoff appearances. To stay a Tremendous Bowl contender, they have to quickly discover a successor to Stafford.
