Matthew Stafford to Continue NFL Career with LA Rams
Matthew Stafford will continue his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, planning to return for the 2025 season after leading the team to a successful 2024 campaign.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has reportedly decided to continue his playing career following rumours that he would retire.
Stafford led the Rams to a surprise NFC West division crown, culminating in 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.
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. 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.
Despite star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp missing valuable time, Matthew Stafford had another strong season, completing 65.8 percent of pass attempts for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just eight interceptions.
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 include 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.
The Rams have arguably a top-10 defence and a dynamic set of playmakers in Kupp, Nacua, and running back Kyren Williams. As long as Stafford is behind centre, 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 run with No. 9 leading the way.
