While the season is far from over, many teams are already looking ahead to the offseason, and the demand for quarterbacks will undoubtedly accelerate the QB market. However, one lesser-discussed name associated with the 2025 QB market was mentioned by ESPN Senior NFL insider Jeremy Fowler.
A rather surprising name leads the list, despite being very much alive for the postseason.
Could Matthew Stafford Be on the Move?
Since coming over from the Detroit Lions, Matthew Stafford has gelled with the Los Angeles Rams like white on rice. A Super Bowl win, multiple trips to the postseason, and a supercharged Sean McVay offense have given Stafford some of the best years of his career. Nonetheless, Fowler believes that a move could be imminent.
On the “This Is Football” show, Kevin Clark asked Fowler, “Is Matthew Stafford for sure coming back in LA?” Fowler’s answer was not what he expected.
LOADED This is Football Friday with @JFowlerESPN. Coaching hot seat/search updates and QB movement.
Cousins to Cleveland?
Is Stafford set up to leave LA?Jeremy had a lot of info in this episode. Watch: pic.twitter.com/3b4ouJ36SN
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) December 27, 2024
“I don’t think so. They have set the stage for a potential divorce. I was in the Rams camp and I remember kind of just asking around. And it was like, ‘We want to give Matthew Stafford the sort of freedom to do what he wants.’
“He may want to retire at the end of the year. I don’t think that’s been spelled out. He’s playing too well to want to retire, I would think, and it’s not like he’s 43. But the stage was set. They did something to his contract where they can both get out of it with minimal issues. It’s interesting. I left camp, and they’re saying, ‘This might be a one-and-done for Matthew Stafford.'”
The case for Stafford is a complex one. If the Rams win out their next two, they’re back in the playoffs and are a tough team to bet against. With Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Kyren Williams, and Stafford all healthy, the team has a 12-5 record while averaging over 30 ppg.
So, to imagine Stafford wanting out of that team feels peculiar. However, in case things don’t go according to plan, the Rams might want to build their young roster around a young QB as well.
The next two weeks might define the season for most teams. But for the Los Angeles Rams, they could define the next half-decade.