The Los Angeles Rams had a solid season, showing that their young defense has the potential to be a standout group for years. The offense proved it could still find ways to win, even if it’s in new and different ways.
Head coach Sean McVay is regarded as one of the best in the NFL, and with him, the Rams always have a chance to compete.
However, the Rams face some tough choices this offseason. Despite wanting to keep the core of the team together, last season could have marked the end of the Super Bowl-winning group from 2022.
The player who will draw the most attention this offseason is veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford is expected to return for the 2025 NFL season, which is good news for both the Rams and Stafford. However, it also means Stafford could potentially be traded to another team next year.
Stafford led the Rams from a 1-4 start to make a strong playoff run, winning the NFC West and a playoff game. They were just one drive away from another NFC Championship appearance. Stafford showed he still has plenty left in his career and remains one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
“Matthew Stafford, announcing he wants to keep playing, what wheels does that set in motion?” said Rich Eisen on The Rich Eisen Show.
“What that now takes to is the Rams to say all right, we all know that Stafford is not playing for, I think it is $27 million this year, which is really $23 million because there was a $4 million roster bonus that was guaranteed, which is essentially part of his 2024 salary. But regardless, Matthew Stafford is not a bottom of the starting caliber money type of player,” said NFL Insider Tom Pelissero.
“Last year, there was a contract situation that played out all the way up until training camp with Matthew Stafford. They ended up giving him a raise, and in turn, Matthew Stafford gave up his future guarantees, which made abundantly clear he was really on a year-to-year plan here.”
“The next step is for his agent and the Rams to figure out what a new contract for Matthew Stafford looks like. Is it a multi-year commitment, or is it a one-year commitment? If they can’t come together on a deal, is it possible they could revisit the idea of trading Matthew Stafford?”
