Former Detroit Lions and current Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has expressed his desire to continue playing, and his future is starting to become clearer.
Matthew Stafford, the former Detroit Lions quarterback who now plays for the Los Angeles Rams, has been in the news recently due to his uncertain situation in Los Angeles. Stafford has made it known that he wants to play in the NFL during the 2025 season, though many analysts and experts have speculated that he could be playing for a different team than the Rams.
Now, thanks to an insider report, his future is starting to look more defined.
While some teams may have been eager to trade for a veteran quarterback, especially one who has won a Super Bowl, it’s becoming more likely that Stafford will not be traded from Los Angeles.
On Saturday, February 8, ESPN’s Dan Graziano provided an update on the former Detroit Lions quarterback.
“Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to return to L.A. in 2025, according to sources close to the situation…” Graziano said, putting to rest, at least for now, any thoughts of a trade.
“However, something will need to be done with Stafford’s contract, just like last offseason,” he added. “Expect the team to convert salary into bonuses again to lower the hit and make Stafford’s 2025 salary more in line with that of a solid starting NFL quarterback.”
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also added to the story, offering similar information to Graziano’s.
“People I’ve spoken with from the Rams don’t seem too concerned about Stafford leaving, despite the tricky contract situation,” Fowler said, noting that Stafford’s last contract negotiation wasn’t easy and that this year’s talks could prove even tougher.
“Several sources from the team indicate that no major changes are anticipated,” he continued, “but other teams will undoubtedly reach out to the Rams to inquire about a trade.”
This doesn’t mean Stafford is completely guaranteed to stay with the Rams. However, the trend seems to suggest that it’s the most likely outcome.
Staying in Los Angeles benefits both Stafford and the Rams. The team has also indicated that they plan to trade wide receiver Cooper Kupp, so they can’t afford to lose too much veteran talent. Stafford has established himself as the leader of the team, and he helped guide the Rams to the playoffs this season, so he could do it again.
At the conclusion of last season, Stafford signed a short-term deal with the Rams for a raise in 2024, but no long-term commitment. He currently has a $49.6 million cap hit in 2025. Los Angeles could save $27 million by trading him after June 1 or $23 million before June 1.
Kelly Stafford, his wife, seems open to the possibility of a trade if it happens. On Thursday, February 6, Kelly Stafford shared some interesting thoughts about her husband potentially leaving the Los Angeles Rams.
On her podcast, “The Morning After With Kelly Stafford and Hank,” she discussed the Cooper Kupp trade from L.A. and brought up her husband’s situation.
“My husband wants to win,” she said. “He’s not trying to put a team in a bad position. If you’re catching my drift, you’re catching my drift.”
She added that although she loves “the city of L.A.” and enjoys “an adventure,” she’s open to change.