Matthew Stafford ‘likely’ to return to Rams in 2025

Matthew Stafford is ‘likely’ to return to the Rams in 2025 per ESPN reports

Over the past week, there has been a lot of speculation regarding the future of Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. The two sides went through a rocky contract situation last summer and until a new deal is agreed on, his future on the team is no guarantee. Adding fuel to the fire was Kelly Stafford who said on her podcast,

“I love the city of LA… and I love the life that we have built here. With that being said, I love an adventure. I am all for it. Right now, if the Rams decided that they wanted to trade him or Matthew decided he didn’t want to play for the Rams, I am good.”

Not that Kelly Stafford has a lot of say in her husband’s future on the team, but it certainly doesn’t help media discussions and speculation around the situation. The Rams wouldn’t have a lot of options outside of Stafford, but there was plenty of talk on whether or not the team could turn to Jimmy Garoppolo or potentially Sam Darnold in 2025.

Reporting from the Super Bowl, ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler discussed everything that they know about the Stafford situation. In their Super Bowl Buzz column on Saturday morning Graziano said,

“Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to return to L.A. in 2025, according to sources close to the situation…Something will have to be done with Stafford’s contract, though, as was the case last offseason…Look for the team to convert salary into bonuses again to lower the hit and move Stafford’s 2025 compensation into a range more befitting of a good starting NFL quarterback.”

Fowler’s report wasn’t too different. Said Fowler,

“People I’ve talked to with the Rams don’t sound overly concerned about Stafford leaving, despite the tricky contract situation. Last summer’s negotiation wasn’t easy, and this year’s could be even more difficult. 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.”

That doesn’t mean that Stafford is guaranteed to be back in 2025. However, things seem to be trending in the right direction and the team seems confident that something will get done. It will still be interesting how many teams call the Rams about Stafford’s availability and what they are willing to offer. If the Rams are blown away, is it something they would consider?

The Rams will still be looking to contend in 2025. While Cooper Kupp may not be back, if the Rams can add some explosiveness to the offense or make a big move at wide receiver in the offseason, they may be able to improve. This is still a team that was 14 yards away from hosting the NFC Championship game. At some point, the front office will need to look at moving forward with the younger core of players. Still, right now, Stafford gives the Rams the best chance to contend for a Super Bowl.