After the Los Angeles Rams’ season ended in the Divisional Round, quarterback Matthew Stafford said he was considering retirement. He didn’t take long to consider his future in the NFL, electing to return next season.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network announced the Rams quarterback’s plans to play in 2025. Rapoport added that Stafford has told the Rams that he “feels good” and has no reason not to play.
Stafford turns 37 next month and already has recorded 16 NFL seasons. The former Georgia prospect looked solid throughout the 2024 season, completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns. He helped the Rams earn a playoff berth with a 10-7 record. This year’s playoff berth was the third appearance in Stafford’s four years with the Rams.
Matthew Stafford Needs a New Contract in 2025
Stafford will need a new contract heading into next season, whether with the Rams or another team. He revised his contract with the team before last season and has a $49.6 million cap number for 2025. Also, the Rams can save nearly $27 million by trading him in a post-June 1 move.
The Rams will likely have to work out a new contract with Stafford as he is currently signed for a non-guaranteed $23 million next season.
From The Insiders in Mobile: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out. pic.twitter.com/ArzNDnWQsi
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2025
According to Rapoport, the Rams have “no immediate plan to replace Stafford,” which makes sense given that they appear ready to win now. Head coach Sean McVay and his staff don’t have a replacement for Stafford. Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is scheduled for free agency in March and third-string Stetson Bennett has yet to play a regular-season game, leaving the Rams limited options.
McVay hoped for clarity on Stafford’s situation sooner rather than later so the Rams could find his replacement in the draft or free agency.
In four seasons with the Rams, Stafford has produced 14,700 yards on 1,276 completions with 95 touchdowns and 44 interceptions in 57 games. Also, he captured his first career Super Bowl victory when the Rams defeated the Bengals, 23-20, in 2021.
During the 2024 season, the Rams won the NFC West, defeating the Vikings in the Wild Card round. The Rams fell short to the Eagles in the Divisional round, 28-22. Stafford finished the game with 26 completions for 324 yards and two touchdowns in a losing effort.
The veteran quarterback has some nice young weapons to work with, such as Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, giving him continued upside with the Rams’ current roster. The two-time Pro Bowler hinted towards his return next season and is set to run it back with the Rams in the 2025 campaign.
Stafford finished as the No. 22-ranked QB per PFN’s QB+ metric.
