Stafford’s indecision forces Rams front office to make a decision in 2025 NFL Draft
As the LA Rams geared up for the 2024 NFL season, veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford was dissatisfied. Unlike many NFL veterans, Stafford didn’t skip training camp but expressed his unhappiness publicly to both the media and the team. He demanded guaranteed money, regardless of injury status. Eventually, the Rams agreed to his terms.
The Rams and Stafford renegotiated his contract, ensuring his guaranteed money for 2024. Stafford was pleased, and the team secured its starting quarterback for 2024. It seemed like everything was resolved.
Or was it?
When Stafford joined the LA Rams, he not only helped the team achieve a 12-5 record, but he also led them to a perfect 4-0 postseason run, ultimately securing a Super Bowl LVI win over the Cincinnati Bengals with a 23-20 victory.
He pushed wide receiver Cooper Kupp to the brink of breaking every NFL All-Time Single Season receiving record, while also helping rookie receiver Puka Nacua set NFL All-Time Rookie Season receiving records. It’s clear the man can play.
However, let’s be honest. Stafford’s performances haven’t always been flawless. If he gets credit for the 4-0 postseason run in 2022, he also must take responsibility for the Rams’ 1-2 postseason record in the years since. Similarly, while he led the team to a 12-5 record in 2021, the Rams have only managed a 22-18 record since, with Stafford at the helm.
In 2021, Stafford averaged 255.3 passing yards per game despite being sacked 30 times. In 2024, even though he was only sacked 28 times, his average dropped to 235.1 yards per game. In his first season with the Rams, he threw for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. This season, he’s posted 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Now 37, Stafford is showing signs of age. While he reportedly played through four cracked ribs in Week 15, which is impressive, there are other factors to consider regarding his 2024 decline. For instance, Stafford has only played with rookie receiver Puka Nacua for two seasons, and his offenses with the Detroit Lions didn’t feature much All-Pro talent. Despite this, his 2024 passing yards per game is one of the worst of his career, ranking as the fourth worst overall. His first two seasons were his worst, and his 2022 season ranked third. The Rams can no longer ignore that Stafford’s best years may be behind him.
