Quarterback Matthew Stafford reportedly plans to return subsequent season, however the Los Angeles Rams ought to begin getting ready for a future with out him.
On Wednesday’s episode of NFL Community’s “The Insiders,” Ian Rapoport stated the Rams count on Stafford to play in 2025 however could must revise his deal. The Tremendous Bowl champion can have the workforce’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 old 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 current 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 harm 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 harm and misses extra video games in 2025, the Rams offense would sputter.
L.A. would not have one other confirmed QB on its lively roster. Backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo (a former San Francisco 49ers starter) is an unrestricted free agent. In the meantime, 2023 fourth-round decide Stetson Bennett hasn’t tried a go in a regular-season game.
The Rams might draft a Stafford alternative, maybe Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart or Ohio State QB Will Howard. Or they may 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 need to quickly discover a successor to Stafford.
