Has Matthew Stafford played his last NFL game?
The Los Angeles Rams have the option to move on from Matthew Stafford's contract this offseason as the 36-year-old contemplates his future.
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Matthew Stafford will decide on his future this offseason (Image via The 33rd Team/X)
Matthew Stafford has played in the NFL for 16 seasons now. In that time, he has established himself as one of the better quarterbacks in the league and even helped the Los Angeles Rams clinch a Super Bowl in his first season there.
In his second season with the Rams, injuries forced him to miss games. However, in the last two seasons, he has led them to the playoffs. This season, they braved the LA Wildfires situation to win the Wild Card round.
However, in the Divisional round, they could not defeat the formidable Philadelphia Eagles. Now, with the season over, there are question marks about Stafford’s NFL future. When the 36-year-old was asked if he plans to continue playing football, he gave an ambiguous answer.
As far as my future goes, I mean it’s 30 minutes after the last game, so I’ll take some time to think about it. But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball.
Matthew Stafford said
Another reporter asked a followup question if he had football left in him.
Sure feels like it.
Matthew Stafford said
These words might make him staying true to his professional self. However, the Los Angeles Rams are in a peculiar situation. On one hand, injuries have been a problem for their quarterback. On the other hand, he is scheduled to earn almost $50 million next season.
Matthew Stafford could have just played his last game with the Rams. He says he still has some football in him as he talks about the team’s comeback falling short in their 28-22 loss to the Eagles pic.twitter.com/faqWuEw9oc
— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) January 19, 2025
They have an opportunity to exit his deal this offseason. If they do, they will only take nearly his 2025 salary in dead cap. But for Sean McVay and the front office, the question remains if he can be healthy enough to lead them to another Super Bowl.
Matthew Stafford had a decent Divisional round game
Matthew Stafford entered the Divisional round game knowing the Philadelphia Eagles’ defense was going to make his day difficult. He felt their presence throughout the game as they sacked him five times. His own defensive teammates dished out more to opposing quarterback Jalen Hurts.
However, the Eagles’ defense’s abilities do not stop at their front seven. Their linebackers and defensive backs made it a tad too difficult for the usually outstanding Rams’ signal caller to find his receivers. Stafford did throw for 324 yards and two touchdowns.
However, he had to work for it as his receivers struggled to get themselves into catching situations. If the Los Angeles Rams are to win a Super Bowl, they will have to go through such tough defenses. That means either they need to provide better weapons for their quarterback or blow it all up and start afresh.
Related: Skip Bayless admits being “sick” of NFL protecting Patrick Mahomes: “Prisoner of the Swifties”
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Joseph Varghese
(2309 Articles Published)