As Rams Prepare For Future, Does Matthew Stafford Still Fit At Quarterback?

With the Los Angeles Rams opening the trade market for veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp, some have begun to wonder how far the team will go to part with aging stars. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has very little guaranteed money in the last two years of his current contract, an issue that may require Los Angeles to take action in the next few months.

It is more than likely that the Rams will do what they need to do to hang on to their franchise quarterback, as the 37-year-old continues to perform at an elite level under center. Los Angeles is not in a good position to immediately find a new quarterback.

On the other hand, if the Rams did begin fielding offers for Stafford, it’s hard to imagine that they wouldn’t receive interest. The Steelers and Giants have both been named as potential buyers, as both teams are building young rosters without a definite answer at quarterback. 

Pittsburgh snuck into the playoffs with an aging Russell Wilson and struggling Justin Fields but went no further in 2024, while New York is likely looking toward the upcoming draft to end months of aimlessness under center. Both teams would instantly improve with Stafford on the roster, despite his limited long-term value.

With young stars Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua slowly working into the primes of their careers, Los Angeles must decide now if they’re rebuilding or maintaining the status quo. As things stand, Los Angeles is a perennial playoff contender, and Nacua has come along so quickly as the star wideout that trading away Kupp hardly feels like a loss. 

There’s no one to replace Stafford, however. Keeping him for the final years of his career could cost the team several crucial seasons. Parting with him and entering a misguided rebuild would have the same effect.