In a recent episode of the New Heights podcast, co-hosted by former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Pro Bowl quarterback Matthew Stafford shared insights into his decision to remain with the Los Angeles Rams for the 2025 NFL season.
Stafford’s return followed a whirlwind of uncertainty, speculation, and tampering accusations, as he was linked to potential trades with the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders.
Stafford Reveals Decision-Making Process in Return to Rams
In a video clip from the New Heights podcast posted on X, Stafford admitted, “Yeah, that was nerve-wracking there for a little bit, just trying to figure out what was gonna go down.”
The 2011 Comeback Player of the Year added, “I think it was kind of a joint process, right? I remember when I was getting traded from Detroit to L.A… I can’t tell you how much time I spent on Zillow looking at houses being like ‘Where I’m gonna be? Where are my kids gonna go to school?’ In the end, I know that (the Rams) wanted me back, I wanted to be back, we just had to figure it out.”
Matthew Stafford gave us the inside scoop on his offseason and return to the Rams
NEW EPISODE OUT NOW @Nike pic.twitter.com/qNMoez1zOj
— New Heights (@newheightshow) March 12, 2025
Stafford expressed his contentment with the decision, stating, “I’m definitely thrilled that I’ll be here for at least another year and hopefully more beyond that.” His comments reflect his commitment to the Rams and his desire to keep playing under head coach Sean McVay, who has been instrumental in his success.
Stafford also acknowledged how the uncertainty was “a bit tough” on his family as they wondered about their future. The Super Bowl champ emphasized the importance of stability and familiarity for his family, who have settled in Los Angeles since his trade from the Detroit Lions in 2021.
His wife, Kelly Stafford, has been supportive of his career choices, stressing that the family would stand by him no matter what. Her Instagram post following his official return confirmed how big of a factor home life played in the decision.
On her podcast, The Morning After, Kelly shared her relief over Stafford’s decision after weeks of deliberation, saying, “Holy s***, am I so glad we’re here (in Los Angeles)…I went f****** mad, I went so crazy, but I will say Sean has always been such a good communicator in every aspect. I give him so much credit in that.”
Stafford’s Contract and Future Prospects
In late February, NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that the Rams and Stafford agreed to restructure his contract to lower his cap hit for 2025 while securing more guaranteed money in future years. The 37-year-old ultimately took less money to stay with the Rams rather than seeking a bigger deal with the Giants or Raiders.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer outlined the two key reasons Stafford stayed: “Stafford likes living in Southern California, and he wants to play for Sean McVay, his coach for the past four years.”
Former NFL quarterback and analyst Dan Orlovsky believes Stafford’s return makes the Rams a “very real Super Bowl contender,” adding, “(Stafford) is a quarterback that has the chance—and I think he’s gonna be in the Hall of Fame—but a real chance to win another Super Bowl… I think the only team that has clearly a better roster in the NFC is the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Despite the optimism for 2025, Stafford’s long-term future with the Rams isn’t guaranteed. McVay has suggested similar contract discussions could happen again next offseason, potentially leading Stafford to weigh other options if he wants to keep playing beyond 2025. A Super Bowl win might make that decision much easier.