NFL Rumors: Matthew Stafford 'Likely' to Return to Rams for 2025 Season

It looks like Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has some unfinished business in the NFL.

Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that the 37-year-old is "likely to return to L.A. in 2025" and that the team is going to look for ways to lower Stafford's cap hit:

"The past two seasons have been good for Stafford, who turned 37 on Friday and believes the Rams' leadership gives them the ability to contend every year. Something will have to be done with Stafford's contract, though, as was the case last offseason when the Rams slid $5 million of his 2025 money into 2024 and guaranteed him $40 million. Of that $40 million in guarantees, $4 million comes in the form of a 2025 roster bonus due next month. The rest of his 2025 compensation is a non-guaranteed $23 million. His current cap hit for 2025 is roughly $50 million, so look for the team to convert salary into bonuses again to lower the hit and move Stafford's 2025 compensation into a range more befitting of a good starting NFL quarterback."

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN added that the Rams aren't "overly concerned" about the chances of Stafford departing for another team despite the issue of his contract and that the quarterback was "happy with the direction of the offense:"

"Last summer's negotiation wasn't easy, and this year's could be even more difficult, considering his status as a top-shelf QB in a league starved for them. Stafford ranked 12th in QBR in 2024 (64.7).By all accounts, Stafford was happy with the direction of the offense this season, and multiple people with the team say it doesn't seem as if changes are coming. But other teams will inevitably call the Rams to gauge trade interest anyway. Stafford will be the top quarterback available if Los Angeles entertains the idea of moving him."

---

This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

For more from Bleacher Report on this topic and from around the sports world, check out our B/R app, homepage and social feeds—including Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.