The Los Angeles Rams were sent packing after their divisional-round loss 22-28 against the Philadelphia Eagles. This resulted in many wondering about the Rams’ 36-year-old QB, Matthew Stafford, and what the future held for him. When asked about it, he stated, “I mean it’s 30 minutes after our last game, so I’ll take some time to think about it.” While the quarterback revealed nothing, even head coach Sean McVay kept the mystery intact.

However, some fans panicked when Stafford’s wife, Kelly, wrote a cryptic social media post. “I joke about us being old and tired but honestly I could never get tired of watching you out there or watching our girls cheer for their daddy. I’m wondering if this is the end or not…” Confusion all across, Rams fans waited with bated breath to know what was ahead for the veteran. Do we now have any fresh updates? Yes, we do!

Well, reporter Ian Rapoport, took to X to share a clip and captioned it: “From The Insiders in Mobile: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out.”

In the clip shared, he was heard saying, “Last we heard from Stafford, he was in his post-season press conference, talking about how he wanted to take some and ponder his future… My understanding is Matthew Stafford does, in fact, plan to play next season… Wanted to take some time off and basically told them, ‘I feel good, I don’t see why I wouldn’t play’. My understanding again: [Stafford] plans to play.”

“Now that is not exactly the whole story for the Rams because he is due $27 million next year, not guaranteed on his contract. I have a hard time imagining Matthew Stafford plays for that. But last year, before training camp, also right at the buzzer, they got a deal done, I believe, one-year $40 million deal. I would imagine they would look at his contract.”

Sure, the QB’s fans will love this. But the decision, if true, can create headaches for the front office. Before he starts off the new season with the Rams, the franchise has to weigh up his $49.6 million salary cap. The QB had signed a four-year $160 million deal with the franchise in 2022. Apart from a $12 million prorated signing bonus for 2025, they’d have to cover his $23 million base salary and further bonuses on top. If he were to stick with the Rams for 2026, the overall cap would go up to $53.6 million, with his base salary rising to $26 million. Where does his impact lie in comparison to his salary? Let’s see in comparison with other QBs.

Consider Eagles QB Jalen Hurts. Hurts will carry a $21.8 million cap hit for the 2025 season, largely made up of his option bonus of $15.9 million. He has a back-loaded contract in his $255 million five-year deal, with $179.4 million guaranteed. Now, let’s look at a QB who suffered a divisional-round exit like Stafford. Jared Goff, who led the Lions to their first 15-win season, has a salary cap of $32.6 million for 2025. This is made up of his $18 million base salary and $14.6 million pro-rated signing bonus.

Top Comment by Darryl Madison

I wouldn’t give up on Matthew Stafford He won a Superbowl for you. And that last playoff game he played in He had...more

Share your take

Debate

In Washington’s case, Jayden Daniels would carry a salary cap of $8.6 million on his rookie contract. While it may be a tad unfair to bring this up in a conversation about Stafford, it gives the Commanders a lot of cap space to improve on their championship run this season. If we look at salary space, the Rams have $38.3 million of salary cap space, which is less than 14 NFL teams. The top dog in salary cap space is currently the New England Patriots, with $120 million, which would allow them to sign a big WR, QB, or even free agents.

Is Matthew Stafford’s cap worth it?

Sure, it is. But is there a better long-term plan they can work out with that amount of money? That’s what they’ll be asking themselves. The Rams QB had said that he “feels good” hinting at the future. And if we look at his stats, what he wanted to say after the frustrating game would be clear.

In the 2024 season, Matthew Stafford played 16 games of the regular season and two postseason games. Before the playoffs, Stafford completed 340 out of 517 passes for 3762 yards at a completion rate of 65.8%. He ranked 15th in touchdowns (20 TDs), 13th in passing yards, and 86th in interceptions as he threw just 8 INTs.

In addition to this, his QBR for the regular season was 64.7. In the playoffs, however, Stafford took 8 sacks in two games, and his QBR was just 56.0. Looks odd, but it was largely the result of the Eagles’ defense violating the Rams’ O-line in their divisional game.

But still, if we talk about alternate QB options for the Rams, three NFL players come to the fore. Those names include Jimmy Garoppolo who’s on their bench, Davis Mills of the Texans who could be a great understudy that takes over from his master, and Aaron Rodgers, who’s been linked to every other franchise since Aaron Glenn took charge at the Jets.

Only time will tell whose signals the herd will follow in 2025. What do you think?