Matthew Stafford’s Future with Rams Uncertain After Playoff Exit

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Following the Los Angeles Rams‘ tough playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, quarterback Matthew Stafford expressed a desire to discuss his future with the team. This statement came soon after Rams coach Sean McVay indicated the organization hoped to gain clarity on Stafford’s situation in the days that followed.

The Rams’ loss was a significant moment for Stafford, especially considering it was one of the most competitive games in the Eagles’ postseason journey. Reports surfaced soon after that suggested Stafford is seeking a new contract to reflect his value as a key player, as he is currently set to earn $27 million in 2025.

Sources indicate Stafford is looking for a raise that would put his salary at at least 50 percent of the top of the league average for quarterbacks, which is currently $60 million. Consequently, the Rams will need to negotiate a new deal with Stafford to ensure both parties are aligned for the upcoming season.

Last year, Stafford made headlines when he started advocating for a revised contract immediately after the Rams’ first-round draft, particularly after the team chose not to select a potential replacement for him. Although negotiations were kept under wraps, tension lingered until just before the start of training camp, raising questions about his future.

As it stands, Stafford’s 2025 salary cap number is nearly $50 million. The Rams face a difficult decision; cutting him with a post-June 1 designation could lead to a cap charge of $26.67 million in 2026, in addition to a $4 million guaranteed roster bonus. Alternatively, trading him prior to June 1 would result in a hefty $37 million cap charge.

While the situation is less complicated than the Deshaun Watson contract issues in Cleveland, the Rams find themselves in a precarious position. Extending Stafford’s contract could push financial challenges into the future, yet with Stafford now at 37 years old, questions arise about when the Rams might consider investing in a younger quarterback.

General Manager Les Snead has previously noted that any potential trade would depend on incoming calls or outreach from the Rams’ side. “It’ll take someone calling or us reaching out if we want to do that. Those are the things that’ll be determined down the road here,” Snead said.

With a distinct possibility of several teams looking for quarterbacks this offseason, including the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and New Orleans Saints, the Rams may still be open to options regarding Stafford’s future.

The upcoming NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, set to start next week, could be pivotal in determining the Rams’ trajectory as they evaluate quarterback prospects and Stafford’s standing within the organization.