It’s been a wild ride for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams since their playoff defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Round, from retirement rumors to trade talks that wouldn’t quiet down.
At 37 years old, Stafford is the league’s second-oldest projected starting quarterback for 2025, behind only Aaron Rodgers (41). Still, he’s been reasonably healthy and productive in recent seasons, including 2024, when he finished 22nd in PFSN’s QB+ metric (71.9 grade) and didn’t miss a game due to injury for the first time since 2021.
His status as a Super Bowl-winning quarterback and respected veteran made him one of the most appealing options for QB-needy teams this offseason, given the relative lack of talent at the position in both free agency and the draft.
However, a new report on Stafford promises to shake up the rest of the offseason.
Matthew Stafford and Rams Agree to Restructured Deal for 2025
With just two years remaining on his contract, Stafford and the Rams have officially agreed to restructure his deal for the 2025 season, according to NFL Insider Adam Schefter.
Presumably, the new deal will lower his cap hits over the next two seasons while guaranteeing the quarterback more money in the future.
LA’s quarterback is back: the Rams and Matthew Stafford reached agreement today on a restructured deal that keeps him in Los Angeles and quashes any and all trade speculation, per sources.
The first significant off-season QB domino has fallen. pic.twitter.com/wNwydqn49R
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2025
While Matthew Stafford’s counting stats weren’t spectacular last season, many of his rate stats showed improvement compared to 2023. He increased his completion percentage from 62.6% in 2023 to 65.8% in 2024 and improved his success rate from 47.6% to 49.0%. Additionally, he reduced his interception rate from 2.1% to 1.5%, the lowest of his career (excluding the 2010 season, when he played only three games).
The Rams have a strong supporting cast to support Stafford as he continues to age. Even with the expected trade of Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams are both under contract on rookie-scale deals for next season.
Additionally, Los Angeles benefits from significant cap flexibility due to a young and cost-effective defense. Spotrac estimates the Rams will have just under $40 million in cap space for 2025 before accounting for Stafford’s new deal, the 15th-most entering this offseason.
Keeping Stafford in tow just makes sense, especially with head coach Sean McVay showing no indications of leaving, which provides the Rams with an exceptionally high floor. Since McVay took over in 2017, the Rams have made the playoffs in six of eight seasons and posted a winning record in seven of them. Additionally, Los Angeles has boasted a top-10 scoring offense in four of those eight seasons.
Of course, with Stafford’s presence off the quarterback market, teams looking for an upgrade at the game’s most important position will have to turn elsewhere in 2025. Even the best available options — Aaron Rodgers and Sam Darnold in free agency, Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward via the draft — come with plenty of question marks.
Whether Matthew Stafford returned to LA or was traded to another team was going to influence potential pending QB decisions with multiple NFL teams. Now that Stafford is slotted to LA, QB-needy teams such as the Raiders, Steelers, Giants and Browns can continue on with their… https://t.co/M5Rs7t8dVK
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 28, 2025
Even at 37 years old, Stafford remains one of the more reliable field generals in the NFL. The Rams should be commended for keeping the leader of their offense despite the drama surrounding the team.
NFL Reacts to Stafford, Rams Deal
Given Stafford’s status around the league as a revered quarterback, it’s no surprise that plenty of players and pundits had opinions to share about the news.
Rams fans were certainly happy to hear that their quarterback decided to return. After two consecutive playoff trips, the team appears to be on the precipice of returning to the Super Bowl.
Our Glorious King John Matthew Stafford is back in the Horns 😤🐏 pic.twitter.com/9gPpBAnmp2
— RamsNation (@LARamsey46) February 28, 2025
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport confirmed that Stafford — who spoke to other teams before extending with the Rams — took less to stay in Los Angeles than he would have received elsewhere.
The #Rams and QB Matthew Stafford can’t quit each other just yet. The two sides are closing in on a deal for Stafford to return to LA.
After talks with the #Raiders & #Giants, Stafford ends up taking less than he would’ve gotten elsewhere to stay. pic.twitter.com/UYZjjAXkYI
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 28, 2025
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell was quick to note that the Rams almost certainly offer Stafford a better chance at title contention than his other rumored destinations.
You're telling me Matthew Stafford didn't really want to go finish his career on the Giants or Raiders? 💰🏆
— Bill Barnwell (@billbarnwell) February 28, 2025
While the entirety of the offseason is still on the horizon, Stafford and the Rams should open the 2025 season as one of two favorites in the NFC West, alongside the San Francisco 49ers. Expectations for Los Angeles this year will be high following the team’s Wild Card trouncing of the Minnesota Vikings.