Matthew Stafford’s Future with the Rams
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, the No. 1 pick of the 2009 draft, is set to return with the Los Angeles Rams for the 2025 season. However, his future beyond that point is less certain. At 37 years old, Stafford is in the latter stages of his illustrious career, and the Rams are beginning to think about succession planning. Stafford’s contributions to the team, including leading them to a Super Bowl LVI victory, cannot be overstated. Nonetheless, the reality of his advancing age and the need to prepare for the future are forcing the team to consider their options.
General Manager Les Snead’s Stance
General Manager Les Snead addressed the team’s quarterback situation during a recent video conference, emphasizing the complexity of identifying and acquiring a potential successor. Snead noted that while identifying a quarterback is one challenge, acquiring the right talent is another. The general manager expressed a desire to bring in a young quarterback to learn under Stafford, but acknowledged that this move must be balanced against the team’s immediate need to remain competitive. "It’s one thing to identify a QB, it’s another to actually be able to acquire him," Snead said, highlighting the intricacies of the process.
Balancing Immediate Needs and Future Plans
The Rams are in a delicate position as they weigh the benefits of drafting a young quarterback against the immediate need to field a competitive team. Snead explained that even if they identify a promising prospect, the cost in terms of assets and draft picks might be too high, especially when considering the team’s current roster and Stafford’s continued strong performance. "Even if we identified someone, sometimes it’s hard to acquire them, and then you get into, OK, wait a minute, we do have Matthew and we want to chase ‘special,’ whatever special may be," Snead added. This balancing act is crucial as the team aims to maintain its status as a playoff contender while also preparing for the future.
Stafford’s Recent Performance
Despite the looming question of succession, Stafford has continued to perform at a high level. Over the last two seasons, he has completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards, with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the 2024 regular season. In the postseason, he completed 63 percent of his throws for 533 yards, with four touchdowns and no interceptions in two games. These numbers underscore his reliability and the importance of his presence on the field. The Rams will undoubtedly continue to rely on Stafford’s experience and leadership in the coming season, but the need to plan for the future remains a pressing concern.
Draft Strategy and Future Picks
The Rams currently hold the No. 26 overall pick in the first round of this year’s draft, which could provide an opportunity to select a quarterback if the right prospect is available. The fifth-year option associated with first-round picks adds an additional layer of flexibility to this strategy. However, the team’s draft history, particularly the trade of their 2025 second-round pick to move up and select tight end Braden Fiske last year, suggests that they might be inclined to trade down in the first round to accumulate more picks. This approach aligns with Snead’s history of making savvy draft moves to bolster the team’s depth and flexibility.
Learning from the Packers’ Succession Model
Snead also pointed to the example set by the Green Bay Packers, who have successfully navigated quarterback transitions in the past. The Packers drafted Aaron Rodgers in 2005 while Brett Favre was still the starter, and later drafted Jordan Love in 2020, who sat behind Rodgers for three seasons before taking over as the starter in 2023. This model of having a young quarterback learn from an established veteran could be a viable path for the Rams. "The Packers have done a nice job," Snead acknowledged, recognizing the value of a well-structured succession plan.
In summary, while Matthew Stafford’s return for the 2025 season is assured, the Rams are meticulously planning for the future. General Manager Les Snead’s approach balances the immediate need for competitiveness with the long-term goal of identifying and developing a future quarterback. Stafford’s recent performance has been commendable, but the team’s strategic decisions, including their draft strategy and potential trades, will be crucial in ensuring a smooth transition when the time comes.
