Without a doubt the biggest question mark for the Los Angeles Rams heading into the offseason is Matthew Stafford and the quarterback position.
Stafford has no guaranteed money remaining on his contract and wants a new deal. Considering how well he continues to play, Stafford is deserving of a contract close to the top of the quarterback market.
At age 37, the Rams are understandably a bit hesitant to do that. At the end of the day though, Stafford unquestionably gives them their best opportunity to win in 2025. And from Stafford’s perspective, the Rams are likely his best chance to compete for a Super Bowl as well.
Still though, the two sides have struggled to work out a deal. They are expected to meet this week at the NFL Scouting Combine, but until then, the Rams have reportedly given Stafford permission to speak to other teams to gauge what his value would look like in a new contract, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
Echoing reporting from @TomPelissero: The #Rams have given permission for Matthew Stafford’s agent to speak with other teams about his value. This is not a trade request.
Instead, the Rams and Stafford can gain a better understanding of his value outside the team, potentially… pic.twitter.com/ouYiIQtcr9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 22, 2025
As stated, the hope is this will help Stafford and the Rams come to an agreement on a new contract. Unless he gets input from other teams, it’s hard to know what Stafford would be worth on the open market at his age.
If the Rams and Stafford aren’t able to work this out and go their separate ways though, the Rams are expected to look for a first-round pick in any trade. It remains to be seen if they would get it, but considering how many teams are in need of a quarterback, that is a reasonable asking price for L.A.
The other quarterback options out there aren’t great which is why it’s so important for the Rams to hold onto the guy who won them a Super Bowl just three years ago. If they move on then Aaron Rodgers could perhaps be their bridge quarterback for the next year or two.
Sean McVay ‘adamant’ about Rams keeping Matthew Stafford
If Rams head coach Sean McVay has his way this offseason then the Rams will be keeping Matthew Stafford as recent reports indicate he is ‘adamant’ about that needing to happen.
McVay and Stafford have had a lot of success together and likely want to continue that partnership to chase another Super Bowl. It will just come down to finding a way to make the money work.
