Stafford Out? Analyzing the Rams’ Options with Matthew Stafford Trade Rumors Swirling in 2025

The Los Angeles Rams’ 2025 season hinges on the arm and health of their veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Fresh off a season where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round after a strong finish, the Rams find themselves at a crossroads. While Stafford is currently slated to lead the team, recent trade rumors have cast a shadow of uncertainty over his future in Los Angeles. With the NFL landscape constantly shifting, let’s dissect the situation: “Stafford Out? Analyzing the Rams’ Options with Matthew Stafford Trade Rumors Swirling in 2025.”

The Stafford Situation: A Balancing Act

Matthew Stafford, at 37 years old, is entering the final year of a four-year, $160 million contract. While he’s shown he can still play at a high level, leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2021, his age and contract demands have fueled speculation about a potential trade.

According to NFL Network’s Peter Schrager, Stafford is seeking a contract that reflects his value as a top-tier quarterback, potentially exceeding $50 million per year. While the Rams value Stafford, they also need to manage their salary cap and build for the future. This financial tug-of-war led to the Rams granting Stafford’s agent permission to explore potential trades, allowing him to gauge his market value.

Despite the trade buzz, both Stafford and the Rams have expressed a desire to continue their partnership. Head Coach Sean McVay has stated that keeping Stafford in Los Angeles was always “Option A,” emphasizing the importance of their relationship. Stafford himself acknowledged the “nerve-wracking” period but expressed his happiness to be back with the Rams.

Potential Trade Destinations: Where Could Stafford Land?

If the Rams were to trade Stafford, several teams would likely be interested in acquiring his services. Here are a few potential landing spots:

Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders have been searching for a franchise quarterback since Derek Carr’s departure. With Tom Brady reportedly trying to recruit Stafford, the Raiders could be a strong contender.
New York Giants: The Giants are in desperate need of a quarterback after moving on from Daniel Jones. Stafford could provide an immediate upgrade and a veteran presence to guide their offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers: After shuffling through multiple quarterbacks in recent years, the Steelers could view Stafford as the missing piece to their Super Bowl aspirations.
Indianapolis Colts: With Anthony Richardson’s development still uncertain, the Colts might seek a proven veteran like Stafford to lead their team in a competitive AFC South division.
New York Jets: The Jets, with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams, could be a fantastic team for Stafford to end up with.

Rams’ Options at Quarterback: Who Could Replace Stafford?

If Stafford were to depart, the Rams would need to explore their options at quarterback. Here are a few possibilities:

Jimmy Garoppolo: The Rams re-signed Garoppolo to a one-year contract, solidifying his role as Stafford’s backup. While Garoppolo provides a veteran presence, it’s uncertain if he’s the long-term answer as a starting quarterback.
NFL Draft: The Rams could use the 2025 NFL Draft to find their next franchise quarterback. ESPN’s Field Yates suggested Louisville’s Tyler Shough as a potential target, citing his similar traits to Stafford. Other potential targets who stood out at the NFL Combine include Will Howard, Jalen Milroe and Riley Leonard. However, some analysts believe the 2025 quarterback draft class is relatively weak.
Stetson Bennett: The Rams also have Stetson Bennett on their roster, though his future with the team remains unclear.
Free Agency: The Rams could explore the free agent market for a veteran quarterback to fill the void.

The Impact of Stafford’s Presence: More Than Just Stats

Matthew Stafford’s impact on the Rams extends beyond his statistics. His leadership, experience, and ability to make plays under pressure are invaluable assets. As J.B Long, D’Marco Farr, and Maurice Jones-Drew noted, the Rams used to win because of Stafford, particularly during their Super Bowl-winning season.

However, as Stafford enters the later stages of his career, the Rams are transitioning to a team that can win with Stafford, relying on a strong supporting cast and a balanced approach. The acquisition of Davante Adams is a testament to this strategy, providing Stafford with another elite weapon alongside Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell.

The Road Ahead: A Year-to-Year Approach

Sean McVay has acknowledged that the Rams are taking a “year-to-year” approach with Stafford, evaluating his performance and fit with the team on an annual basis. This flexibility allows the Rams to make informed decisions about their quarterback situation while maximizing their chances of success in the present.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Rams’ focus will be on building a team that can compete for a Super Bowl title with Stafford at the helm. By addressing their needs on the offensive line and defense, the Rams can create a balanced and formidable team that can contend with the best in the NFL.

Conclusion: Stafford’s Future and the Rams’ Trajectory

The Matthew Stafford trade rumors have injected uncertainty into the Rams’ offseason, but ultimately, both sides seem committed to making the partnership work in 2025. Whether Stafford remains in Los Angeles beyond this season remains to be seen, but for now, the Rams are focused on maximizing their potential with their veteran quarterback leading the charge. The Rams finished the regular season on a 9-3 tear and nearly took down the eventual-champion Eagles in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. With a mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent, the Rams are poised to make another run at the Super Bowl in 2025.