Even though Matthew Stafford turns 36 in February, expect him to be the starting quarterback for the Rams in 2024.
According to ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, “There’s no reason to think Stafford won’t be the Rams starting QB next season. Since the front office and head coach Sean McVay are huge Stafford fans, it wouldn’t make sense to part ways with him from a logistical standpoint. Stafford’s $31 million guaranteed salary for 2024 would leave Los Angeles with $55.5 million in dead money if a trade were to occur before June 1.”
Stafford, who is in the midst of a four-year, $160 million contract, has justified his salary by playing well and helping Los Angeles make a comeback to the postseason.
Over the course of 11 games, he has completed 60.7% of his passes for 2,768 yards, 16 touchdowns, nine interceptions, and an above-average QBR of 59.7. The New York Times simulator indicates that the Rams (6-6) have won three straight games and have a 48 percent chance of making the postseason.
“The guys have done a great job of executing,” L.A. head coach Sean McVay said of the team’s win streak on Monday, via Greg Beacham of the Associated Press. “I think Matthew has done a great job of distributing the ball. You always want to be able to keep your quarterback clean, pick and choose your spots, but ultimately, it’s a credit to Matthew and the offensive line’s execution.”
At some point, the Rams will need to add a quarterback. The Super Bowl champion Carson Wentz is not Los Angeles’ understudy quarterback; rather, he is a backup. The rookie from Georgia, Stetson Bennett, was chosen in the fourth round; however, he has not yet played this season and is currently on the reserve/non-football injury list due to illness.
However, Los Angeles is lucky in that Stafford is still a dependable starter and does not currently require a replacement.