The future of the Los Angeles Rams quarterback situation rests on the shoulders of its current starter, Matthew Stafford.
At age 37, Stafford’s 15-year playing career could be set to make another move as his contract has a potential out this season which would allow him to find a new home if he wishes.
The Rams themselves may also be looking to make a change, but their future planning is essentially in limbo until Stafford decides what he wants to do.
While no indication has been made by either Stafford, the team, or head coach Sean McVay, there are rumors about his choice.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, people close to the quarterback ‘think that he ultimately wants to remain in Los Angeles and play for Sean McVay.’
Breer added, ‘We’ll see if the Rams can work out the contract part of this, which will determine what’s next.’
People close to Matthew Stafford believe the quarterback wants to stay with the LA Rams
Reports indicate that Stafford wants to continue his partnership with head coach Sean McVay
If Stafford does leave, a potential destination would be Mike Tomlin’s Pittsburgh Steelers
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But if Stafford decides to move, Breer believes that the ‘most attractive destination for an older veteran quarterback like Matthew Stafford or [Aaron] Rodgers’ would be the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Among the reasons include, ‘how many pieces are in place, the history of the franchise, and the presence of offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.’
But if those near to him know what Stafford is thinking, then staying in Los Angeles may be what ends up happening.
The contract issue is that if the Rams opt-out, they’ll have $49million in ᴅᴇᴀᴅ cap space that will hurt their ability to potentially grab free agents.
But Stafford’s salary has taken a jump recently and the Rams may need to re-negotiate his deal in order to adjust.
After earning a base salary of just $1.5m in the first year of a four-year extension he signed back in 2022, Stafford’s salary sH๏τ up to $23.5m last year.
He’s set to earn $23m in 2025 and $26m in 2026, after which he’d be a free agent at age 39.
Stafford is set to lose his top target after the Rams put wide receiver Cooper Kupp on the trading block in a shock decision.
If Stafford stays with the Rams, he’ll be without his top target: wide receiver Cooper Kupp
News of Kupp being on the trade block shocked Stafford’s wife, Kelly, who criticized the team
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The move came as a surprise to many – including Stafford’s wife, Kelly, who blasted the decision on a podcast episode.
‘My husband wants to win. He’s not trying to put a team in a bad situation,’ Kelly said on her ‘The Morning After’ podcast. ‘I will say the trading away of Cooper, I’m confused… because we were one play away from going to the NFC Championship, and I think if we go, win win.’
According to Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd, Rams officials have grown ‘tired’ of Stafford’s wife speaking out in the media, meaning they are ready to let him go.
‘The Rams like Matt Stafford but they’re tiring of the constant quarterback talk, his wife saying things publicly,’ Cowherd said on his ‘The Herd’ show. ‘They’re not real happy with Cooper Kupp going public with something they tried to keep quiet [looking to trade him].
‘They’re kind of over Cooper Kupp and with that a little bit Matt Stafford. They like him, but they don’t want to restructure his deal and give him a big contract.’
Other teams linked with Stafford include the New York Giants, who have the third overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
Last season, Stafford was 13th in the league in pᴀssing yards and tossed 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Rams made the playoffs and lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional round.
