The Los Angeles Rams surprised many by making the playoffs last season and nearly winning their Wild Card game against the Detroit Lions. Expectations were high for the 2024 season, especially with Matthew Stafford at quarterback, despite the loss of Aaron Donald on defense. However, injuries have derailed their plans. The Rams are currently 1-4, and three key offensive linemen—Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila, and Jonah Jackson—are on injured reserve. Additionally, wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua have been out for a significant part of the season.
Stafford has been shouldering the load without many of the team’s key offensive pieces, and there are growing concerns about whether the Rams can turn their season around. According to a report by Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, if the Rams continue to struggle, it wouldn’t be surprising if they and Stafford part ways.
Stafford’s future with the team has been considered on a year-to-year basis. He signed a reworked contract last offseason, which pushes his 2024 pay to around $40 million but reduces his guarantees in 2025. This contract structure leaves the door open for either side to decide whether to continue their partnership. Stafford, who is 36 years old and has dealt with injuries, may need to evaluate if he still wants to play after this season.
The Rams and Stafford have big decisions to make, which would be easier to defer if the team were winning. If the Rams can get healthy, particularly with the return of players like Kupp and Nacua, they may still have a chance to turn things around. However, if they continue to falter, teams around the league, like the Las Vegas Raiders—who have a need at quarterback—might take interest in Stafford. His contract and performance have been hindered by injuries in recent years, but Stafford could still offer value for the right team.
Despite the struggles, the Rams might still be the best team for Stafford. However, they need to recover quickly if they want to salvage their 2024 season. Week 6 offers some respite as the Rams enter their bye week. Head coach Sean McVay acknowledged that the bye came at a crucial time for the team, providing an opportunity to regroup and get healthy.
McVay emphasized the importance of using the bye week to evaluate how the team can improve. The Rams’ playoff hopes are fading, but if they can return to full strength, there’s still a chance they could fight their way back into contention. However, if the struggles continue, both Stafford and the Rams might look at their future together and decide it’s time to part ways.
The next few weeks will be critical for the Rams as they try to turn things around or potentially explore trade options involving Stafford.
