Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has reportedly decided to continue his playing career following rumors that he’d hang up the cleats.
Stafford led the Rams to a surprise NFC West division crown en route to a blowout win over the 14-3 Minnesota Vikings on Wild Card Weekend. The 36-year-old declined to comment on his future after the Rams were eliminated by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round.
But according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Matthew Stafford has decided to return for the 2025 season. The Super Bowl 56-winning signal-caller has two years remaining on his contract.
“My understanding is Matthew Stafford does, in fact, plan to play next season. This is what he’s communicated to the Rams…basically told them ‘I feel good, I don’t see why I wouldn’t play.'”
Rapoport added that the two sides will likely need to rework his contract ahead of the 2025 season, though. In July, he agreed to a new deal that included more money in 2024 and a 2025 roster bonus increase from $5 million to $9 million.
From The Insiders in Mobile: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford plans to return and play in 2025, sources say, though a deal likely needs to be worked out. pic.twitter.com/ArzNDnWQsi
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 30, 2025
Even though star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp missed valuable time, Matthew Stafford had another strong season that saw him complete 65.8 percent of pass attempts for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
In the Rams’ two playoff games, Stafford completed 63.4 percent of pass attempts for 533 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
The other quarterbacks on LA’s roster are Jimmy Garoppolo, a pending free agent, and 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett. With Stafford planning to return, the Rams don’t need to worry about a succession plan just yet.
Matthew Stafford’s Return Keeps Rams’ Window Open
The Rams have arguably a top-10 defense and a dynamic set of playmakers in Kupp, Nacua and running back Kyren Williams. As long as Stafford is behind center, they’ll always have a chance.
Stafford’s return is a welcoming development for the Rams, who still have the pieces in place to make another championship with No. 9 leading the way.
