Matthew Stafford has two years left on his current contract but it’s not exactly a foregone conclusion that he’ll be back with the Los Angeles Rams in 2025. After reworking his deal last summer, he’s lacking guaranteed money and could seek a raise this offseason.
The Rams will try to work something out with their star quarterback but it may not be easy. In the event that the two sides can’t come to an agreement on a new contract, Stafford is a candidate to be traded by the Rams.
NFL Network’s Peter Schrager is close to Sean McVay and even he can’t say with any level of certainty that Stafford will remain with the Rams in 2025.
“I don’t think Stafford’s retiring, but I think there’s a chance he might wear another uniform in the near future, based on what the tea leaves are saying,” Schrager told Pro Football Network.
It’s not breaking news to suggest Stafford may not be back with the Rams, but coming from Schrager, who’s friends with McVay, makes it a bit more notable – and worrisome for fans in L.A., too.
As for who might replace Stafford if the Rams move on, Schrager has one idea, and it may not elicit much excitement from the fanbase. He could see the Rams turning to Jimmy Garoppolo, who backed up Stafford in 2024 and will be a free agent this offseason.
Having learned the offense for a year and given his experience in a Kyle Shanahan-style offense, Garoppolo would make some sense for the Rams as a bridge quarterback until they can find a young, future starter.
“As for the Rams, I’ll tell you what, I know it sounds crazy now, but Jimmy Garoppolo is pretty well-liked there this season,” Schrager said. “I know that he’s not necessarily got the career that Stafford has, but he had a nice little season this year for them, so I think he’d be the first option before they look to blow it up and go somewhere totally different and young.”
Stafford reportedly plans to keep playing in 2025 but it remains to be seen which team he suits up for. The Rams make the most sense, given their need at quarterback and considering his fit in the offense, but they need to make it work financially in order for Stafford to return.