Rams Make Big Decision on Matthew Stafford’s Future
The Los Angeles Rams have made a significant decision regarding veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford’s future with the franchise. After allowing Stafford to explore his market value by speaking with other NFL teams, the Rams have ultimately decided to retain the Super Bowl LVI-winning quarterback for the 2024 season and beyond.
Stafford’s Uncertain Offseason
Earlier this offseason, reports surfaced that the Rams had granted Stafford permission to discuss potential trades with other teams. This move suggested that Los Angeles was at least considering a future without the 36-year-old signal-caller, whether due to financial considerations, long-term planning, or Stafford’s own interest in exploring his options.
Stafford, who joined the Rams in a blockbuster 2021 trade with the Detroit Lions, led the team to a Super Bowl victory in his first season. However, injuries and inconsistent play in 2022 and 2023 raised questions about how much longer he could perform at an elite level. With the Rams entering a phase of roster retooling—having moved on from several high-priced veterans in recent years—some speculated that Stafford could be the next domino to fall.
Why the Rams Decided to Keep Stafford
Despite the initial openness to trade discussions, the Rams ultimately determined that Stafford remains their best option under center. Several key factors influenced this decision:
1. Leadership and Experience
Stafford’s veteran presence is invaluable for a team that still has playoff aspirations. Head coach Sean McVay has repeatedly praised Stafford’s football IQ, toughness, and ability to execute in high-pressure situations. With a young roster developing around him, Stafford’s leadership is seen as crucial for the team’s continued competitiveness.
2. Lack of a Clear Successor
The Rams do not currently have a ready-made replacement for Stafford on their roster. While they drafted Stetson Bennett in 2023, he spent his rookie season on the reserve/non-football illness list, leaving his future uncertain. The free-agent and trade markets also lacked a surefire upgrade over Stafford, making a transition risky.
3. Strong Finish to 2023 Season
Despite a slow start, Stafford and the Rams surged late in the 2023 season, securing a playoff berth and nearly upsetting the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card round. Stafford’s chemistry with breakout rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua and a resurgent Cooper Kupp demonstrated that the offense still has high upside with him at the helm.
4. Financial Considerations
Trading Stafford would have resulted in significant dead money against the Rams’ salary cap. While his $49.5 million cap hit in 2024 is hefty, restructuring his contract remains a possibility to create flexibility. Moving on from Stafford would have also required Los Angeles to absorb a substantial financial penalty, making retention the more pragmatic choice.
What This Means for the Rams’ Future
By committing to Stafford for at least another season, the Rams signal that they believe they can remain competitive in the NFC. However, this decision doesn’t entirely rule out a future transition. The team could still draft a quarterback in the 2024 or 2025 NFL Draft to develop behind Stafford, ensuring a smoother succession plan when the time comes.
Additionally, the Rams’ offensive weapons—including Nacua, Kupp, and Kyren Williams—give Stafford the tools needed to succeed. If the defense continues to improve under coordinator Chris Shula, Los Angeles could be a dark-horse contender in a stacked NFC.
Stafford’s Reaction and Outlook
Stafford has remained professional throughout the offseason uncertainty, emphasizing his commitment to winning wherever he plays. Now that the Rams have reaffirmed their faith in him, he’ll look to build on last season’s late success and prove he can still play at a championship level.
“Matthew is our guy,” McVay said in a recent press conference. “He’s a proven winner, and we’re excited about what this team can accomplish with him leading the way.”
The Rams’ decision to retain Matthew Stafford ends months of speculation about his future. While the team briefly explored alternatives, they ultimately concluded that Stafford gives them the best chance to win now. With a talented supporting cast and a coaching staff that believes in him, Stafford will aim to silence doubters and lead the Rams on another deep playoff run in 2024.
For now, the Stafford era in Los Angeles continues—and the Rams are betting big that he still has plenty left in the tank.
