Quarterback Matthew Stafford reportedly plans to return next season, but the Los Angeles Rams should start preparing for a future without him.
On Wednesday’s episode of NFL Network’s “The Insiders,” Ian Rapoport said the Rams expect Stafford to play in 2025 but may need to revise his deal. The Super Bowl champion will have the team’s largest cap hit ($49.66M) next season, per Spotrac.
Stafford’s return is a win for the Rams. In 16 regular-season games this season, he went 10-6 and threw 20 touchdowns. However, L.A. probably wonders if the aging passer can continue to play at a high level.
Stafford turns 37 on Feb. 7. Few starting QBs vie for Super Bowls as they approach their 40s. At 43, future Hall of Famer Tom Brady became the oldest QB to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, beating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV.
However, Stafford probably has more wear and tear than Brady did. On a recent episode of her podcast, Stafford’s wife, Kelly, revealed he cracked his ribs in a Week 15 win over the San Francisco 49ers.
Stafford reaggravated the injury in a 28-22 divisional-round loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Following the loss, he told the media he was dealing with the issue “to a varying degree for some time.”
Stafford also injured his right thumb and back in 2022 and 2023, missing nine games. If he suffers another injury and misses more games in 2025, the Rams offense would sputter.
L.A. doesn’t have another proven QB on its active roster. Backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo (a former San Francisco 49ers starter) is an unrestricted free agent. Meanwhile, 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett hasn’t attempted a pass in a regular-season game.
The Rams could draft a Stafford replacement, perhaps Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart or Ohio State QB Will Howard. Or they could sign a project QB in free agency, perhaps Zach Wilson of the Denver Broncos.
The Rams have made two straight playoff appearances. To remain a Super Bowl contender, they must soon find a successor to Stafford.