Matthew Stafford reflected on his future after the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-22 NFC Divisional Playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Stafford, who completed 59.1% of his passes for 324 yards, 2 touchdowns, and no interceptions, was proud of his team’s effort but frustrated by key mistakes that contributed to the loss. Despite his solid performance, the Rams were undone by two fumbles, including one lost by Stafford, and five sacks, which limited their ability to secure the win.
After the game, Stafford was asked about his future in the NFL, but he was reluctant to provide definitive answers so soon after the season’s end. When asked if he still felt he had more football left in him, Stafford gave a half-grin and simply replied, “Sure feels like it.” While not committing to anything, his response suggested that he was not contemplating retirement in the immediate future. Rams head coach Sean McVay praised Stafford’s resilience and effort, further highlighting the quarterback’s leadership.
Stafford still has two years remaining on his four-year, $160 million contract with the Rams, so his future in Los Angeles seems secure for now. However, the Rams do not have a clear succession plan at quarterback, with Jimmy Garoppolo and rookie Stetson Bennett currently the only options behind Stafford. This could change depending on how the Rams address their quarterback situation during the offseason.
The Rams are in a relatively strong position financially, with $46.6 million in cap space, and they hold the No. 26 overall pick in the 2025 draft, which could allow them to explore options for the future. Stafford’s future could be influenced by the direction the Rams choose to take in terms of team-building, particularly at the quarterback position.
Stafford also expressed disappointment over missed opportunities during the loss to the Eagles. His lost fumble led to an Eagles field goal, and earlier in the game, Kyren Williams’ fumble allowed Saquon Barkley to score a touchdown for the Eagles. Stafford reflected on these pivotal moments, acknowledging that “there are plays we want back” in every loss, but he remained proud of the way the team fought throughout the season, despite its imperfections.
The Rams had a chance to take the lead late in the game but fell short after Stafford was sacked on third-and-2 and then threw an incomplete pass on fourth down. Stafford lamented the missed opportunity, saying, “I would have loved to have scored at the end,” acknowledging that the offense had momentum but couldn’t capitalize on it. He noted that the errors, particularly “unforced errors,” contributed to the team’s inability to finish the game.
Stafford’s performance in this loss adds to a troubling trend for the quarterback in bad weather conditions. He is now 1-9 in games played in rain or snow, including a loss to the Eagles when he was with the Detroit Lions in 2013. This statistic may become part of the narrative surrounding Stafford moving forward, especially as the Rams look to build around him in the coming seasons.
The Rams also struggled to protect Stafford, with five sacks taken, which tied his season high. The Rams went 0-3 in those games, and this loss added to the team’s issues when facing tough defenses. As the offseason approaches, the Rams may need to address their offensive line to better protect Stafford and give him a chance to perform at a high level.
Despite these challenges, Stafford remained upbeat about his team’s overall effort. He praised the Rams for their resilience and the way they stuck together throughout a difficult season. Even though the Rams’ playoff run ended on a sour note, Stafford expressed pride in the team’s collective effort, emphasizing that it was a “total team effort” and that the team fought until the very end.
As the offseason begins, Stafford will likely continue to assess his future with the Rams. His contract ensures his place on the team for at least two more years, but the Rams’ decisions regarding their quarterback situation and roster moves will shape the trajectory of his career in Los Angeles.
Matthew Stafford’s leadership and determination have been evident throughout his time with the Rams, and he remains committed to playing, as indicated by his post-game comments. As the Rams look ahead to 2025, Stafford’s experience will continue to be crucial as they work to improve their roster and return to playoff contention.