It feels like ages ago when the Los Angeles Rams decided to push their chips to the center of the table by trading for quarterback Matthew Stafford ahead of the 2021 NFL season.
That gamble paid off when Stafford ultimately hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in his first season with the Rams, but is now entering his fifth year with the team at 37 years old.
After whispers of his future with the team surfaced this offseason, could 2025 be the last stand of Mathew Stafford in a Rams’ uniform?
Stafford may not be putting up the gaudy numbers fantasy managers became accustomed to during his days in Detroit, but his efficient play still has him regarded as one of the premier passes in the sport.
Stafford threw for 3,762 yards to go with 20 touchdowns and just eight interceptions in 2024, which helped the franchise win a competitive NFC West division.
Additionally, the Rams did give the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles a run for their money in the NFC Divisional Round with just a six-point loss on the road this postseason.
Keep in mind, Stafford put up the vast majority of these numbers without the services of star WR Puka Nucua for five games last season.
The Rams felt like they could upgrade Nacua’s running mate this offseason by parting ways with long-time Cooper Kupp and signing Davante Adams in free agency.
In an offense that still possesses plenty of firepower and one of the best offensive minds in the league with head coach Sean McVay, there is no reason to believe that the Rams offense won’t be formidable again in 2025.
On the flip side of the ball, Rams general manager Les Snead has done an outstanding job retooling this defense by landing edge defender Jared Verse with their only first-round pick of the last eight years and hitting home runs in the later rounds with players like Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske, and Byron Young.
The defense is starting to take form with younger players while the offense is still anchored by Stafford, Nacua, Adams, Kyren Williams, Tyler Higbee, and a quality offensive line.
Yet, the Stafford offseason rumors of his possible departure were a bit puzzling considering how well the veteran quarterback has played during his time with the organization.
Ultimately, with Stafford still under center and a great head coach still paired together — it’s hard to envision the Rams not being in the mix for another playoff appearance in 2025. And if this duo makes it to the tournament, anything can happen.