NFL Rumors: Matthew Stafford’s Future Seen as ‘Year-to-Year Proposition’ by Rams

Jack MurrayAugust 3, 2024

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The Los Angeles Rams view Matthew Stafford’s status with the franchise as something that will continue to be evaluated every offseason.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Rams view the quarterback’s future as a “year-to-year proposition” and that the team’s signing of Jimmy Garoppolo could be viewed as an “insurance option” if Stafford were to leave after the 2024 season:

“The Rams look at Stafford’s future as a year-to-year proposition, per a team source. His reworked contract reflects that, pushing his 2024 pay into the $40 million range but lessening his guarantees in 2025, allowing both sides to decide whether they want to remain married at that point. This is one to watch closely: Stafford is only 36 and played like a top-five quarterback last season. The Rams believe he is still playing at a high level and would love to keep him around, but they don’t know how both sides will feel at year’s end. Maybe Stafford, who has dealt with many injuries, will want to retire. The ballooning quarterback market will undoubtedly be a factor here. Either way, I don’t get the sense Stafford is angling for another team in 2025. It’s worth noting that the Jimmy Garoppolo signing got the attention of some around the league — that could be an insurance option for down the road.”Stafford remains one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL even as he enters his 16th season. He threw for 3,965 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games for Los Angeles in 2023, leading the team to a playoff berth in the process.

This was his first healthy season since 2021, when he led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory. While he is 36-years-old and inching closer to retirement, his demonstrated ability to find success at this stage could bode well for him having multiple more seasons left in his career.

He currently is under contract through the 2026 season, although there is a potential out available after the 2025 season. He also could choose to retire during this contract, so the Rams could be faced with replacing him or restructuring his contract to give him motivation to remain with the franchise.

Stafford will be the quarterback in 2024 and another strong season could give him and the Rams the motivation needed to keep the train rolling