Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has been reflecting on his future in the NFL, especially with one of his key targets, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, now on the trade block.
Initially hesitant to confirm his plans for 2025, Stafford stated at the end of January that he intended to return for another season. However, for that to happen, the Rams will likely need to restructure the 37-year-old’s contract.
This isn’t the first time such a move has been discussed. Last year, the Rams restructured Stafford’s deal, advancing future payments to boost his salary in 2024. During the draft, it was revealed that Stafford wanted guarantees beyond 2024. After a solid 2023 season, speculation about a trade or retirement subsided for now, but trade rumors have resurfaced. Stafford quickly shut down retirement talk this time.
Despite his strong performance, Stafford didn’t get the long-term security he desired. After his restructured deal last year, reports indicated the Rams saw Stafford as a year-to-year player.
Although he’s under contract for two more years, his injuries in 2022 and declining production in the following years have kept the team assessing its options each offseason.
With this approach in place, a resolution may come sooner this year. Stafford is set to carry a cap hit of nearly $50 million in 2025, and restructuring or extending his contract could reduce that amount.
He’s scheduled to earn only about $27 million in cash for 2025, so restructuring could help here too. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport report that a deal revision is likely, and it will be interesting to see if talks progress more quickly than last year.
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