Stafford’s Return: Why the Rams Must Still Plan for a Post-Stafford Era
The Los Angeles Rams’ 2024 season was a rollercoaster, marked by a slow start followed by a strong surge into the playoffs. A key factor in their resurgence was the play of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, who, despite turning 37 in February, demonstrated he still has the arm talent to compete at a high level. In their Wild Card victory against the Minnesota Vikings, Stafford showcased his ability to lead the offense, and he continued to perform well in the Divisional Round against the Eagles, despite the loss. However, with Stafford’s future still somewhat uncertain, the Rams must proactively plan for a future beyond their current signal-caller.
Stafford’s 2024 Performance: A Mixed Bag
Stafford’s 2024 season was a study in contrasts. While he finished with a respectable 3,762 passing yards and 20 touchdowns, his play was described as “mercurial” at times. He had stretches of quiet play, but also moments of brilliance, including multiple games with four touchdown passes. His performance in the playoffs was a reminder of his capabilities, as he led the Rams to a decisive win over the Vikings and nearly engineered a comeback against the Eagles, despite suffering a rib injury.
The Rams’ offensive strategy in 2024 heavily relied on pre-snap motion and play-action passing, ranking second in the NFL in both categories. Stafford thrived in this system, particularly on play-action passes, where he threw for 1,575 yards, 10 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. This highlights his ability to execute within a well-designed scheme, but also underscores the importance of having a quarterback who can adapt to different offensive approaches.
The Contract Conundrum
Stafford’s current contract, a four-year, $160 million extension signed in 2022, runs through the 2025 season. However, after a restructure before the 2024 season, only $4 million of his nearly $50 million cap hit for 2025 is guaranteed. This creates a complex situation for the Rams. While Stafford has stated his intention to play in 2025, it’s unlikely he will return under his current contract. The Rams could save significant cap space by trading or releasing him, but they would also lose a proven starter.
The most likely scenario is that the Rams will renegotiate Stafford’s contract, potentially adding more guaranteed money to the deal. However, this also means that the Rams must consider the long-term implications of committing to an aging quarterback, especially with the team needing to address other areas of the roster.
The Need for a Succession Plan
Even if Stafford returns in 2025, the Rams must begin planning for the future. The team’s current backup situation is less than ideal. Jimmy Garoppolo is an impending unrestricted free agent, and Stetson Bennett has yet to play a regular-season game. This lack of depth highlights the need for a clear succession plan at the quarterback position.
The Rams could explore several options to address this need. They could look to the 2025 NFL Draft, where prospects like Riley Leonard from Notre Dame, Cameron Ward from Miami (FL), and Shedeur Sanders from Colorado could be potential targets. However, the 2025 draft class is not considered to be as deep at the quarterback position as previous years, which could make it more challenging for the Rams to find a suitable replacement.
Another option is to explore the free agent market. While the Rams have expressed their desire to keep Stafford, they could also look at veteran quarterbacks who could serve as a bridge to the future. However, this would depend on Stafford’s contract situation and the team’s overall strategy.
Building for the Future
The Rams’ success in 2024 was not solely due to Stafford’s performance. The emergence of players like Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams provided a glimpse into the team’s potential for the future. Nacua set rookie records for receiving yards, while Williams rushed for over 1,100 yards. These players, along with a young defense that showed improvement throughout the season, provide a solid foundation for the Rams moving forward.
However, the Rams must continue to build around these young talents. They need to reinforce their offensive line to protect their quarterback, whether it’s Stafford or someone else. They also need to add depth to their secondary to complement their pass rush. The 2025 NFL Draft will be crucial for the Rams to address these needs and continue to build a competitive roster.
Conclusion
Matthew Stafford’s return in 2025 is a positive development for the Los Angeles Rams, but it shouldn’t overshadow the need for a long-term plan at the quarterback position. The Rams must be proactive in exploring their options, whether it’s through the draft, free agency, or developing their current backups. By planning for a post-Stafford era, the Rams can ensure that they remain competitive for years to come.
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