Could this be the end of a successful football marriage?
After a ton of speculation about his football future, Matthew Stafford is set to return to the grid iron in 2025, however, the Super Bowl winning Los Angeles Rams quarterback reportedly wants long-term security in the form of a new contract to do so. The Rams, meanwhile, would rather not make any lucrative commitment to a veteran signal-caller as they build around a young and talented nucleus, headlined by wide receiver Puka Nacua, according to The Athletic. Also, they have granted Stafford’s agent permission to discuss contract terms with other teams, according to NFL Media.
The Rams have been in communication with Stafford’s representation regarding a new deal to stay in Los Angeles, Tom Pelissero stated Friday on the “Rich Eisen Show,” and the number one priority between everyone involved seems to be by all indications a reunion for 2025. Still, Stafford’s agent has the go-ahead to workshop a prospective contract with franchises in the event the quarterback is made available via trade, according to Pelissero.
Stafford is currently owed $49.6 million in 2025, according to Over the Cap, but has just $4 million in guaranteed money remaining on his deal. He is in the middle of the pack, ranking 15th among quarterbacks in average annual earnings ($40 million).
The former Super Bowl champion also restructured his deal with the Rams prior to the kickoff of the 2024 campaign. He briefly thought about retirement after the playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles but also said prior to 2024 that he could see himself playing several more seasons, despite missing time due to injury in both 2022 and 2023.
Rams coach Sean McVay said after the season that he hoped the team and Stafford, 37, would have clarity on the situation “sooner than later.”
Embed from Getty Images“I’m sure proud of the body of work and really proud of the way that he’s played,” McVay said during his end-of-season news conference. “I think the coolest thing you can say about Matthew is he shines the brightest on the biggest stages. When you look at the seven playoff games that he’s played in since he’s been a Ram, he certainly gives you a chance every time you step out on the field, and for that I’m sure appreciative.”
In 16 games last season, Stafford completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Stafford’s wife, Kelly, recently acknowledged on her podcast that the quarterback could play elsewhere in 2025 and beyond, even indicating she is open to relocating their family.
“Right now, if the Rams decided that they wanted to trade him, or Matthew decided he didn’t want to play for the Rams, I’m good,” she said, via Bleacher Report. “The ball’s really not in our court. … But I value being respected and wanted over convenience. So, it would be very convenient to stay. Very easy. But if someone doesn’t feel valued, then I’m, like, ‘Let’s hit the road. Let’s go on an adventure.'”
