NFL

Matthew Stafford’s Contract Allows Rams To Move On From QB This Offseason

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Matthew Stafford points to his helmet.

After restructuring his contract before the 2024 regular season, the Los Angeles Rams could move on from quarterback Matthew Stafford this offseason.

What Did Matthew Stafford Say About His NFL Future?

Despite a late comeback, the Los Angeles Rams fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in Sunday’s Divisional Round matchup by a score of 28-22.

After the loss, the attention turned toward Stafford’s tenure with the Rams. Stafford, who turns 37 in February, will “take some time” to ponder his NFL future.

“As far as my future goes, I mean it’s 30 minutes after our last game, so I’ll take some time to think about it,” Stafford told reporters via Michael J. Duarte. “I feel like I was playing some really good ball.”

Despite the blizzard conditions, Stafford played like one of the 10 best quarterbacks in the NFL. Stafford completed 24 of 44 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns.

The former first-overall pick made a costly mistake in the fourth quarter after losing a fumble via strip sack.

Stafford led the Rams’ offense into the red zone with about 80 seconds left in the fourth quarter. However, a Jalen Carter sack and Stafford fourth-down incompletion sealed the victory for the Eagles.

Despite the loss, head coach Sean McVay had nothing but praise for his quarterback.

“I think he epitomizes a lot of the stuff that’s right at him in terms of toughness, resilience, ability to overcome adversity,” McVay told reporters after the game. “He’s a total freaking stud. And I thought he was outstanding tonight with the opportunities that he was given. … I’m sure damn proud of Matthew Stafford.”

Can The Rams Move Off Matthew Stafford’s Contract This Offseason?

In 2022, Stafford agreed to a four-year, $160 million contract extension to remain with the Rams.

Before the 2024 season, Stafford restructured his contract to include a $23.5 million guaranteed salary in 2024, a $12.5 million signing bonus, and a $4 million guarantee in March 2025.

Stafford gave up his other 2025 guarantees, which basically made his deal a one-year, $40 million contract for the 2024 season.

Stafford has two years remaining on his contract. Because of the adjusted contract, the Rams can part ways with Stafford this offseason without a huge salary-cap penalty.

Now, it becomes a waiting game between Stafford and the Rams. Does Stafford want to stay with the Rams, and does Los Angeles want him back?

Jimmy Garoppolo is Stafford’s backup, and judging by his lackluster Week 18 performance, Stafford is likely the best option for the Rams in 2025.

Expect Stafford and the Rams to negotiate another lucrative short-term deal.

Stafford is still capable of performing at a high level. He finished the 2024 season with 3,762 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.

Does Stafford believe he can play at least one more season?

“It sure feels like it,” Stafford said when asked if he still has more football left in him.