Matthew Stafford’s 16th NFL season ended with the Los Angeles Rams’ 28-22 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the regional round.
The soon-to-be 37-year-old was immediately asked what the future holds.
“It’s been 30 minutes since my last game,” Stafford told reporters when asked about his future. “I’ll take some time to think about it.”
Jared Vers: Eagles have the last laugh with Rams rookie who taunted Philadelphia fans
Stafford admitted he was “playing pretty good ball,” completing 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions through the 2024 NFL season. He was also asked if he still has the ability to play quality football for the upcoming season.
All about the Rams: The latest Los Angeles Rams news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates, and more.
“It certainly seems that way,” Stafford replied.
The veteran quarterback may have hinted at a return when he said the Rams’ ferocious comeback effort kept them from coming close.
“I love competing,” Stafford said, according to ESPN. “I love to be in the moments. Of course I’m not afraid of them. And I competed like hell, but today didn’t go the way I wanted. Next time I’ll go there. Please line them up. Let’s do it again.” ”
With that in mind, it appears Stafford is leaning toward returning to the Rams for one more season. The veteran quarterback still has two years left on a four-year, $160 million contract extension he signed with Los Angeles after leading the team to Super Bowl 56.
Both Stafford and the Rams declined to adjust that contract in the 2024 offseason. As such, it’s unclear whether they will try to pay down the $49.6 million cap Stafford sets for the 2025 season or maintain the status quo.
Lamar Jackson: The Ravens QB is likely to be the NFL’s MVP, but is it time to redefine the award?
Rams manager Sean McVay said after the loss, “I don’t really want to talk about next year.” That being said, he seems excited if Stafford returns to the team, whether it’s on his current contract or a restructured contract.
“He’s a warrior. He’s very tough,” McVay said of Stafford during postgame media availability. “He represents a lot of things that are right about what this team has become, especially for a city that is hurting and going through a lot of things.
“I think he embodies a lot of what he’s all about in terms of toughness, resilience, the ability to overcome adversity. He’s a total freak. And tonight he was a great example of what he was given. I think he stood out in his chances. …I’m really proud of Matthew Stafford. ”