The Los Angeles Rams’ disappointing exit from the playoffs at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round has left head coach Sean McVay facing a major decision regarding the future of his quarterback, Matthew Stafford. After the loss, speculation began to swirl about Stafford’s potential retirement.
The 2024 season was physically and mentally demanding for the veteran signal-caller. Stafford, who had led the Rams through a turbulent season, expressed his desire to “take some time” before making any decisions, but McVay isn’t giving him much room to wait.
McVay, who is known for his proactive leadership, is pushing Stafford to make a decision quickly about whether he will return for the 2025 NFL season.
“We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay said, referencing the lingering uncertainty about Stafford’s future that had hung over the team in previous offseasons. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody.” The pressure is mounting, as the Rams’ future hinges on Stafford’s decision, especially with the team holding the 26th overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft.
Sean McVay on Rams QB Matthew Stafford's future...
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) January 23, 2025
Last year: “A hundred percent, absolutely. Unequivocally, yes."
This year: "I know he’s playing really good football...He shines brightest on the biggest stages. For that I am sure appreciative.”
...just a little different.
Putting Matthew Stafford on the clock is the right move for the Los Angeles Rams
Stafford, who finished 2024 ranked 13th in passing yards (3,762) and threw for 20 touchdowns, remains an integral part of the Rams’ offense. His leadership and experience were key to Los Angeles’ success throughout the season, but with the Rams at a crossroads, McVay is aware that the clock is ticking.
Stafford has made it clear that he feels he still has more “juice in the tank,” but the Rams need him to commit one way or the other as they start shaping their future.
DAWG: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford CRACKED FOUR RIBE in Week 15 and and then reaggravated the injury in the snowy playoff game in Philly.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 22, 2025
Stafford played through this pain and balled out each game, without anyone knowing.
ONE OF THE TOUGHEST PLAYERS EVER.
(Via Kelly Stafford) pic.twitter.com/6kwQX7rRiQ
If Stafford opts to retire, the Rams must change their quarterback situation. Backup quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett, while capable in their own right, are unlikely to fill Stafford’s shoes. Garoppolo, a veteran with a Super Bowl appearance, is no stranger to the starting role but has struggled with consistency in recent seasons. Bennett, the rookie from Georgia, has potential but is still unproven at the NFL level.
With McVay’s success and the team’s immediate future tied to Stafford’s decision, the Rams are in a holding pattern. The offseason could go in many directions, depending on whether their quarterback decides to give it another go or hang up his cleats.
McVay, Stafford, and the rest of the team are waiting for the final answer, and it won’t be long before the future of the Rams is shaped by this crucial decision.