The Los Angeles Rams are building something strong in 2025. After back-to-back playoff appearances and finishing just short of the NFC Championship Game, the Rams are set up well to be a contender in the upcoming year. They’ve already made one hard decision towards that goal by publicly shopping former All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and their next decision revolves around quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford, entering his age-37 season, has two more years under contract with the Rams. However, they have a few avenues to part ways with his this season. If they cut or trade him prior to June 1, it would carry a dead cap hit nearing $50 million. If they do so after June 1, it would only carry a dead cap hit between $20-25 million. Either would be a tough pill to swallow, but could allow them to move towards a younger quarterback.
It doesn’t appear, though, that the Rams are going to go that route. All indications are pointing to Stafford being under center next season for Los Angeles, according to Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano of ESPN:
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to return to L.A. in 2025, according to sources close to the situation. The past two seasons have been good for Stafford, who turned 37 on Friday and believes the Rams’ leadership gives them the ability to contend every year.
It seems that the feeling is mutual, too, as Stafford likes what the Rams are building. However, if L.A. chooses to listen to incoming calls, the price to land him could be very high:
By all accounts, Stafford was happy with the direction of the offense this season, and multiple people with the team say it doesn’t seem as if changes are coming. But other teams will inevitably call the Rams to gauge trade interest anyway. Stafford will be the top quarterback available if Los Angeles entertains the idea of moving him.
Stafford returning to the Rams in 2025 makes complete sense. He had an incredible 2024 campaign and the Rams were very close to being one of the last four teams remaining in the postseason picture. And although the Rams plan to trade one of Stafford’s closest friends on the team in Kupp, the move only serves the goal of making L.A. a championship contender.
Kelly Stafford hints at Matthew Stafford wanting out
Matthew Stafford’s wife, Kelly, contradicted this report when Cooper Kupp announced the Rams’ intention to trade him. She said that a decision like that confused her and could lead to her husband wanting to leave the Rams and find somewhere else to play.
