The future of Matthew Stafford with the Los Angeles Rams is increasingly unclear as injuries continue to affect the veteran quarterback. At 37 years old, Stafford has faced ongoing health issues since the Rams won Super Bowl LVI in 2022, raising questions about his longevity with the team and the franchise’s plans moving forward.
Stafford has recently missed practices due to a back injury, complicating his availability. Despite his undeniable talent and toughness, the physical toll seems to be catching up with him. This uncertainty has sparked speculation around the Rams’ approach to quarterback succession, especially with the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Rams Preparing for a Post-Stafford Era
Analysts such as Chris Simms and Mike Florio have discussed Stafford’s future in Pro Football Talk, highlighting the likelihood that the Rams are already planning for life after him. Simms pointed out that the team’s decision to trade a first-round pick to acquire quarterback Jaxson Dart signals their intent to build for the future.
[7:35] “The thing that just pops into my head, Mike, and I think that we all know this is coming, Matthew Stafford, this is why they traded away their first-round pick in the draft to the Giants for Jaxson Dart. You know, just all signs point towards ‘Hey, they’re going to make a move at quarterback’. And I expect that in the next draft, because they know Matthew Stafford is on the down slope of his career. [He’s] tough as hell, been beat up, all the things you’re talking about. And then, they got to start looking to the future.”
—Chris Simms, Analyst
This perspective underscores the growing view that the 2025 draft could be pivotal in securing Stafford’s replacement, especially given his career’s current trajectory and injury history. The Rams appear to be balancing respect for Stafford’s contributions with a practical strategy for maintaining competitiveness.
Details of Stafford’s Financial Situation for 2025 and Beyond
After revising his contract before the current season, Stafford is set to earn $44 million for the 2025 season, a change from the earlier arrangement, which would have paid him $58 million over two seasons. This adjustment represents a significant financial commitment by the Rams amid uncertainty over his playing time.
If Stafford remains with the Rams into the next free agency period, he could receive an additional $40 million, bringing his total earnings over two years to approximately $84 million. This is a notable increase compared to his previous contract terms and shows the franchise’s willingness to invest in his talent despite his health concerns.
Stafford was reportedly considering retirement following the 2024 season but chose to continue playing. Selected as the first overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, he has had a decorated career, including leading the Rams to a Super Bowl title. However, whether he will decide to play in 2026 remains uncertain amid ongoing injury issues.
The Significance of Stafford’s NFL Future for the Rams
Matthew Stafford’s Rams future uncertainty presents a critical juncture for the franchise as they transition from a Super Bowl-winning era. His health challenges and advancing age make it essential for the team to prepare for a quarterback change, which is likely to come through the 2025 draft or continued development of Jaxson Dart.
The Rams’ strategic moves, including contract adjustments and draft trades, indicate proactive planning to secure stability at the most crucial position. How Stafford’s situation evolves will have a significant impact on the team’s competitive prospects in the near future, setting the tone for the next phase of their NFL journey.