Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, now with the Los Angeles Rams, has been in the news recently due to uncertainty surrounding his future in L.A. Stafford has expressed his desire to continue playing in the NFL in 2025, but many analysts have speculated that he might play for a different team.
However, his path forward is becoming clearer, thanks to a report from an NFL insider. Former Lions QB Matthew Stafford and the Rams
While several teams might be interested in trading for a veteran quarterback with a Super Bowl win under his belt, it now seems increasingly unlikely that Stafford will be traded from Los Angeles.
On February 8, ESPN’s Dan Graziano published a column providing an update on Stafford’s situation. Graziano reported that “Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to return to L.A. in 2025, according to sources close to the situation…” which effectively ends speculation about a trade, at least for now.
He also noted, “Something will have to be done with Stafford’s contract, though, as was the case last offseason,” adding that the team may need to convert some of Stafford’s salary into bonuses to lower the cap hit and make his 2025 compensation more in line with a top NFL quarterback.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also provided similar insights. He mentioned that sources within the Rams aren’t overly concerned about Stafford leaving, despite the complicated contract situation. Fowler also pointed out that Stafford’s previous contract discussions were difficult and that this year’s might be even more challenging.
“Multiple people with the team say it doesn’t seem as if changes are coming,” he said, “but other teams will inevitably reach out to the Rams to explore trade possibilities.”
While Stafford’s future in Los Angeles is not entirely certain, the prevailing sentiment is that he will remain with the Rams.
Remaining in Los Angeles makes sense for both Stafford and the Rams. The team is already planning to trade wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and losing too many veteran players could be detrimental. Stafford has proven his worth by leading the Rams to the playoffs this season and could continue to do so in the future.
At the end of last season, Stafford signed a short-term contract extension with the Rams for the 2024 season, with no clear deal afterward. Stafford will carry a $49.6 million cap hit in 2025, but the Rams could save $27 million if they trade him after June 1 or $23 million if they trade him before June 1. Stafford’s Wife Open to a Trade
Kelly Stafford, Matthew Stafford’s wife, has also commented on the possibility of a trade, revealing that she is open to the idea if it happens. On her podcast, “The Morning After With Kelly Stafford and Hank,” she discussed the recent Cooper Kupp trade and mentioned her husband.
“My husband wants to win,” she explained. “He’s not trying to put a team in a bad situation. If you’re catching my drift, you’re catching my drift.”
She added that while she enjoys “the city of L.A.” and embraces “an adventure,” she seems to understand that a change might be necessary.