Matthew Stafford is planning to play football in 2025.
The 37-year-old quarterback is said to “feel good” and will play next season after there had been some uncertainty about his future when the Rams’ playoff run came to an end in the NFC divisional round.
“My understanding is that Matthew Stafford does in fact plan to play next season,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on “The Insiders” on Wednesday night. “This is essentially what he communicated to the Rams. He wanted to take some time off and basically told them ‘I feel good, I don’t see why I wouldn’t play.’ “
In order for Stafford to likely remain with the Rams the team will need to rework his deal, which Rapoport indicated was probably going to happen after it had already been reworked before last season.
Stafford is due $27 million in 2025 — none of which is guaranteed.
The process that eventually saw the QB rework his deal with the Rams and report to camp took longer than expected last season and head coach Sean McVay expressed hope to see the situation get worked out quicker this time around.
“We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay said, according to ESPN. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication.
“I think there’s a lot of love coming from our part. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario.”
Stafford is coming off a season in which he threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 16 regular season games.
He threw for another 209 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams’s wild-card win over the Vikings and recorded 324 passing yards and two TDs in the loss to the Eagles in the divisional round.
