Despite a valiant effort from Matthew Stafford in the snow, the Los Angeles Rams saw their season come to an end with a 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.
Even though it didn’t end how they wanted it to, it was unquestionably a successful season for Stafford and the Rams, who rebounded after starting 1-4 to win the NFC West and earn a playoff victory.
Now though, the focus shifts to the offseason and Stafford’s future with the team is up in the air. After renegotiating his contract before the start of the season, Stafford has two years remaining on his deal although the guaranteed money left is very minimal.
That means that both sides can move on and go their separate ways if they choose to this offseason. It’s unlikely that will be the case but with Stafford about to turn 37, he has some important decisions to make about his future in football.
He is still playing at a very high level so retirement is not expected, but Stafford said he will take some time before making any decisions this offseason, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN:
Glancing at his watch, Stafford noted that the game hadn’t ended long ago and that he would “take some time to think about it.”
“But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball,” Stafford said.
Asked whether he has football left in him, he said, “Sure feels like it.”
Even though the Rams came up short in Philadelphia, Stafford talked about how much he still enjoys competing at the highest level:
“Had a chance for it and didn’t get it done,” Stafford said. “But I love competing. I love being in those moments. Sure as hell not afraid of them. And competed my ass off and it didn’t go the way I wanted to today. Next time I’m out there, line it up. Let’s do it again.”
The Stafford and Rams partnership has been a great one to this point as in three healthy seasons with the team (four total), he has three playoff appearances, two NFC West Championship and a Super Bowl.
The organization does not currently have a succession plan in place at the quarterback position so they likely are hoping that Stafford will be back in 2025. The Rams have one of the most talented, young rosters in the league and should be in the Super Bowl mix moving forward as long as Stafford is healthy and under center.
Matthew Stafford contract situation
Matthew Stafford and the Rams agreed to a revised contract on July 31 of last year. The total value remained the same, but the revised agreement pushed $5 million forward from 2025 and lowered the cap charge for 2024 by $3.33 million.
The revision included $40 million fully guaranteed at signing. including a $23.5 million salary in 2024 and a $4 million roster bonus in 2025.
It was effectively a one-year, $40 million deal and he gave up all his guarantees in 2025 and beyond.
