The Los Angeles Rams restructured Matthew Stafford’s contract this offseason, guaranteeing him $80 million across the 2025 and 2026 seasons. Despite that, the veteran quarterback—who’s been to two Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl—continues to be viewed as a year-to-year option.
This leaves the Rams in a potentially vulnerable position, especially after NFC West rival San Francisco 49ers secured Brock Purdy on a five-year, $265 million extension.
Los Angeles faces growing uncertainty at quarterback, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.
On May 16, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report examined the broader implications of Purdy’s new deal, suggesting it could increase pressure across the NFC West if Purdy lives up to the contract. Knox also noted that Stafford will likely retire before Purdy’s deal runs its course.
Specifics of Purdy’s extension haven’t been made public yet.
A former seventh-round pick and the final selection of the 2022 draft (known as “Mr. Irrelevant”), Purdy now holds the largest contract in 49ers history. As a starter, he boasts a 23-13 record, completing 67.6% of his passes for 8,144 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions over two full seasons.
Against Stafford and the Rams, Purdy has a 1-2 record, completing 61.6% of his passes for 640 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception, resulting in a 91.2 passer rating.
The Rams’ immediate focus is clear: delivering another Super Bowl to Los Angeles.
Matthew Stafford at Heart of ‘Lingering’ Rams Question
ESPN’s Dan Graziano included the Rams’ quarterback situation in his list of 10 “lingering questions,” noting that the team appears to be “operating without a net” behind Matthew Stafford. With only Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett IV as backups, depth at the position is thin.
So, why not draft one?” Graziano wrote on May 14. He explained that teams weren’t impressed with this year’s quarterback class, and selecting a player they’re not sold on isn’t ideal for a team coming off a division title and aiming for another Super Bowl run.
The Rams picked up a vital 2026 first-round pick in a trade with the Falcons Thursday night.
And those around the league have a hunch about the player Sean McVay, Les Snead and co. have their eye on.
Graziano also highlighted the Rams trading out of the first round in 2024, potentially setting them up to pursue a quarterback in the stronger 2026 draft class.
While Stafford has mentioned the possibility of retirement during the last two offseasons—though only as a remote option—he has also hinted at playing through 2026. Still, the Rams’ choice to skip drafting a quarterback in 2025 has raised some questions.
Rams Perilously Close to Playoff Hopes Hinging on Stetson Bennett
If the Rams choose to wait until 2026 to address their quarterback situation, they could find themselves in a risky position as they pursue a Super Bowl with Matthew Stafford
Jimmy Garoppolo, 33, is a former starter and two-time Super Bowl winner who also led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance after the 2019 season. However, his career has been marred by injuries—he’s only played a full season once, also in 2019.
Stafford has also dealt with injuries in recent years but managed to stay healthy throughout the 2024 season.
That leaves the relatively untested Stetson Bennett, a fourth-round pick in 2023, just two plays away from potentially becoming the Rams’ starting quarterback during a playoff run.
Stetson Bennett looks ready to prove EVERYONE wrong heading into his third season as an NFL QB.
Bennett has reportedly had the “strongest offseason” of his life and is ready to compete for the Rams QB2 position.