When it comes to NFL Insiders, NFL Network’s Peter Schrager is one of the most respected and plugged-in ones in the business, but even more so when it comes to the Los Angeles Rams. His relationship with head coach Sean McVay and the organization is well documented.
When he speaks about the LA Rams, people listen.
In a recent interview with the Pro Football Network, he said something that may cast some doubt about the idea that Matthew Stafford will be the quarterback for the Rams next season.
“I don’t think Stafford’s retiring, but I think there’s a chance he might wear another uniform in the near future, based on what the tea leaves are saying,” Schrager told PFSN.
This sounds more on the side of speculation than a declaration, but if Schrager is thinking what we are all fearing, there is probably some legitimate smoke.
Could Matthew Stafford And Los Angeles Rams Part Ways?
After the season ended, there was some speculation on whether or not Stafford would retire. Recently, Ian Rapoport reported that Stafford had the intention of playing in 2025, and Schrager’s comment further cements that.
However, we knew that Stafford’s contract was an issue and would need to be reworked. The Rams and Stafford reworked his contract just before the start of last season, but it was reported that even then, it was not a long-term fix.
Are the two sides further apart on a contract than fans think?
We spoke extensively on the Rams LAFB Show that clearly there is a bit of a disconnect between what Stafford wants and what the Rams want to give simply based on how long it took for the last contract adjustment to get finalized.
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To further cast the doubt, Kelly Stafford just recently dropped a nugget on her Morning After Podcast.
“My husband wants to win. He’s not trying to put a team in a bad situation, if you’re catching my drift, you’re catching my drift. I will say, the trading away of Cooper [Kupp], I’m confused. We were one play away from going to the NFC Championship, and I think if we go, we win. … I love the City of LA. With that being said, I love an adventure.”
This isn’t the first time that Kelly Stafford has riled up the rumor mill, and won’t be the last. But there is some context there showing that the Rams and Stafford may be a bit disconnected at the present time.
Could a Matthew Stafford trade actually happen? And if it did, who would play quarterback in 2025?
Schrager offered up some wisdom on this as well.
“As for the Rams, I’ll tell you what, I know it sounds crazy now, but Jimmy Garoppolo is pretty well-liked there this season. I know that he’s not necessarily got the career that Stafford has, but he had a nice little season this year for them, so I think he’d be the first option before they look to blow it up and go somewhere totally different and young.”
We are still a long way from any of this happening, but I think one thing is clear. It is no longer a slam dunk that Matthew Stafford is the Quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams in 2025.