What's next for Matthew Stafford? The LA Rams have given him permission to speak to other teams

Matthew Stafford's contract with the Los Angeles Rams may be ending, as reports suggest he is being allowed to discuss with other franchises. Despite his desire to stay, the Rams are considering his long-term future, as he has been a key player since leading the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2022.

Matthew Stafford's future with the LA Rams is uncertain as multiple sources report that he has been given permission to speak to other teams. Stafford signed a lucrative contract extension in March 2022, but the Rams had to rework it significantly for the 2024 season and a similar restructuring for 2025.

“I’m sure proud of the body of work and really proud of the way that he’s played,” McVay said of the Stafford uncertainty. “I think the coolest thing you can say about Matthew is he shines the brightest on the biggest stages. When you look at the seven playoff games that he’s played in since he’s been a Ram, he certainly gives you a chance every time you step out on the field, and for that, I’m sure appreciative.”
The Rams finished first in the NFC West in 2024 and reached the postseason divisional round, losing to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite a decent season, McVay's team needs improvement for the upcoming campaign. Stafford, a consistent and productive quarterback, is on the decline due to his advancing age. The No. 1 pick from the 2009 NFL Draft could be offered a significant deal to extend his current contract, but it's unclear if he would seriously consider a move away from LA.
Former Rams quarterback Kurt Warner emphasized the need for the front office to decide on a roadmap for the next few years, stating that retaining Stafford's services if the team is building a 'win-now' roster makes little sense if they focus on the future. “I think so much of decisions like that become do you feel that your team can be competitive for the next couple of years?” Warner explained. “Matt [Stafford], he’s a top-five, top-seven quarterback in the league at this point, no matter where you want to stack him up.”
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Stafford and the Rams are hopeful for a quicker resolution to the contract issue, as discussions dragged into postseason preparations last year, with the agreement only being finalized upon Stafford's arrival at training camp.