It’s becoming increasingly uncertain whether Matthew Stafford will remain with the Los Angeles Rams for the 2025 season. While some within the Rams community have downplayed concerns, arguing that the team’s decision to allow Stafford’s agent to speak with other teams is merely an exploratory move, the very fact that this permission has been granted suggests that a departure is at least on the table.
If the Rams were fully committed to keeping Stafford, there would be no need for this process. Instead, the team appears to be weighing multiple factors: the short-term nature of Stafford’s career, the importance of maintaining financial flexibility for young stars like Jared Verse and Puka Nacua, and the potential to secure a long-term quarterback who can develop alongside the team’s young core.
With these factors in mind, several possible scenarios emerge:
- Stafford Stays in L.A. – The Rams could ultimately decide that Stafford remains their best option for contention in 2025 and beyond, especially if trade offers don’t meet their expectations. His experience and leadership are invaluable, and if the team believes they can manage his contract while still building for the future, keeping him could be the best course of action.
- Stafford is Traded – If a team offers significant draft capital or a younger quarterback in return, the Rams might be willing to move on. Given Stafford’s strong play last season, there could be interest from quarterback-needy teams looking for a veteran who can win now.
- A Restructured Contract or Extension – To keep Stafford while easing the financial burden, the Rams could attempt to restructure his deal. This would require mutual interest in continuing their partnership and finding a financial middle ground.
- A Retirement Scenario – While less likely, Stafford’s health and long-term outlook could play a role in his decision. If he feels his body is breaking down, he may choose to step away from the game rather than go through another potential rebuild.
Ultimately, the Rams are at a crossroads, balancing their immediate competitiveness with a need for long-term stability. Stafford’s future likely hinges on whether a viable trade partner emerges and whether the Rams believe they can find their quarterback of the future sooner rather than later.
Measuring value is more complicated than it seems:
The process of gauging Stafford’s value on the open market introduces several complex layers, particularly when it comes to trade compensation and contract demands. If a team like the New York Giants were interested in acquiring Stafford and signing him to a new deal—say, $60 million annually over three years—they would also have to evaluate the cost of parting with valuable draft capital in the trade.
For instance, if the Rams demand an early second-round pick in addition to the financial commitment, the Giants (or any other interested team) must assess whether Stafford’s impact is worth both the contract and the lost draft assets. The more compensation they surrender in a trade, the less appealing his contract extension may become.
This balancing act will influence how the Rams approach potential deals as well. If the market isn’t willing to meet their asking price in both salary and picks, they may determine that keeping Stafford is their best course of action. On the other hand, if a team is comfortable with the full package—trade compensation plus a lucrative contract—Los Angeles could be more inclined to make a move, especially with an eye on long-term roster building.
Ultimately, Stafford’s situation will be dictated by market forces: what teams are willing to pay in both assets and salary, and whether the Rams see a trade return that makes parting with their veteran quarterback worthwhile.
How this can work out from Rams’ perspective:
The Rams’ decision to allow Stafford to explore his market value might actually strengthen their position in negotiations. While Stafford and his camp likely have a specific figure in mind for a potential new contract, the reality of trade compensation could make other teams hesitant to meet that price. If no team is willing to pay both the draft capital and the salary Stafford desires, he may realize that his best option is to stay in Los Angeles.
From a competitive standpoint, remaining with the Rams makes plenty of sense. Stafford has the benefit of playing under Sean McVay, one of the league’s best offensive minds, along with a true No. 1 receiver in Puka Nacua and a rebuilt offensive line. The defense, despite its youth, showed flashes of dominance last season and kept the team competitive in key moments.
By letting Stafford engage with other teams, the Rams are essentially betting that their offer—both in terms of financial security and competitive stability—will be the most appealing choice. If Stafford comes to terms with the fact that he isn’t leaving a significant amount of money on the table elsewhere, he may see Los Angeles as the best place to finish his career.
This can all still go south, and pretty quickly:
Desperate teams make desperate moves, and if a quarterback-needy franchise is willing to go all-in for Stafford, the Rams should absolutely take advantage of the situation.
The New York Giants are a prime candidate, with head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen potentially facing a make-or-break season. A veteran quarterback like Stafford could give them their best chance to win now, and under the pressure to produce immediate results, they might justify mortgaging future draft capital for short-term stability.
Another intriguing possibility is the Las Vegas Raiders under Pete Carroll. As one of the oldest head coaches in the league, Carroll may not have the luxury of developing a young quarterback over multiple seasons. Add in the influence of Tom Brady in the ownership group, and the pressure to contend sooner rather than later could push the Raiders toward an aggressive move for Stafford.
The Rams have built a reputation as a forward-thinking, process-driven organization, but not every team operates with that level of discipline. If another franchise is willing to overpay—both in trade compensation and a lucrative extension for Stafford—Los Angeles should capitalize. Now that they’ve opened the door for external negotiations, they may not have much choice but to see how far another team is willing to go. If someone wants to throw a massive offer at them, the Rams need to let it happen.
Final thoughts:
Don’t buy into the idea that there’s “nothing to worry about” now that Stafford’s agent is engaging with other teams. The longer this process drags on, the greater the chance that Stafford is playing elsewhere in 2025.
The Rams are set to meet with Stafford’s camp at the NFL Scouting Combine this week, which could bring real updates on where things stand. If negotiations move quickly, we might have clarity in the coming days. However, if the situation remains unresolved into the middle of next week, it might be time to start mentally preparing for a future where the Rams move on from their veteran quarterback.
The fact that discussions have even reached this stage suggests the Rams are seriously weighing their options. If Stafford remains in L.A., it will likely be because both sides found common ground on his future role and financial expectations. If no deal is reached soon, though, it could be a sign that the Rams are preparing to pivot in a new direction.
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