Matthew Stafford’s Future: Is This His Last Camp With the Rams?

By Jason Bolton August 04, 2025 12:56

The 2025 NFL season shapes up as a pivotal chapter for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, raising a pressing question among fans and analysts alike: is this his final training camp with the franchise?

Stafford, the Rams' veteran quarterback and Super Bowl winner, recently finalized a significant contract extension with the team. In April 2025, he signed a two-year, $84 million deal that includes $40 million fully guaranteed at signing. This pact raises his cash earnings for the 2025 season from a previously scheduled $27 million to about $44 million, positioning Stafford as one of the top-paid quarterbacks in the league for the year. Notably, this contract incorporates multiple void years for salary cap purposes, effectively managing the Rams' financial flexibility while keeping Stafford in the fold through the 2026 season at least .

Rams head coach Sean McVay has expressed confidence in Stafford's ability to lead the team. Speaking about the new deal, McVay remarked that Stafford "shines the brightest on the biggest stages," highlighting his performance in playoff games since joining Los Angeles. McVay further noted the balance the Rams sought in managing both the short-term competitiveness and long-term roster planning in agreeing to the restructured contract .

Stafford himself has conveyed a sense of commitment and gratitude for the opportunity to continue his tenure with the Rams. After successfully negotiating the extension, he emphasized his desire to pursue another Super Bowl title in Los Angeles, stating he "never wanted to" leave and appreciates the chance to keep building on the team’s recent success .

From a statistical perspective, Stafford remains highly productive. Entering his 37th year, he is nearing an elite threshold of 60,000 career passing yards only nine quarterbacks in NFL history have reached that milestone. His on-field performance last season, though not detailed fully in recent reports, was impressive enough to convince the Rams to invest heavily in his continued presence as the team's starting quarterback .

However, while the contract technically extends through 2026, industry insiders and analysts wonder if the 2025 season could still mark the twilight of Stafford’s distinguished career. Given his age and the rigorous demands of the position, speculation arises about whether the Rams might be preparing for a future transition at quarterback post-2025. The franchise’s management has strategically structured the contract with void years and manageable cap hits, a common approach to leave flexibility in roster decisions down the road .

In training camp, Stafford’s role is as secure as ever, with the team building around his leadership and experience. Yet, the deeper question lingers: will this be Stafford’s last camp in a Rams uniform? As Stafford himself takes it one season at a time, supported by McVay's praise and a lucrative deal, the window for his NFL legacy continues. The Rams and their fans are holding out hope for more moments of brilliance, but the NFL’s ever-evolving landscape makes this question inherently uncertain.

In summary, Matthew Stafford’s contract renewal through 2026 and his strong 2025 salary suggest that this is not definitively his last training camp with the Rams. Nonetheless, the combination of his age, the contract’s financial design, and the natural career arc of NFL quarterbacks leaves open the possibility that 2025 could be his final season. Both Stafford and the Rams appear aligned in their ambition to compete while maintaining flexibility for the future a balance that will be closely watched as the offseason progresses and the 2025 campaign unfolds.