A bold prediction from an NFL analyst suggests that Matthew Stafford may hang around long enough to continue being a thorn in the Lions’ side.

It may feel like forever since the Detroit Lions traded away Matthew Stafford in a blockbuster deal with the Los Angeles Rams that sent the longtime Detroit quarterback west and brought Jared Goff to Detroit. Still, it’s only been a few seasons, and Stafford remains one of the league’s top veteran quarterbacks.

There was speculation that Stafford might hang it up after the 2024-25 campaign, but he’s returned for another year with the Rams. At 37, he’s considered older by NFL standards. While 37 isn’t old in general, football takes a heavy toll, and most players step away in their 30s, sometimes even sooner.

Most pros don’t keep playing into their 40s. Since Stafford is nearing that milestone, many assumed this season would be his swan song. But now, an NFL analyst believes he could remain in the game—and a continued headache for the Lions—for even longer.

In his article, the analyst references Aaron Rodgers already hinting that 2025 could be his farewell, writing, “While none of us were shocked by Rodgers’ announcement, he might not be the only vet eyeing retirement, though some decisions might still catch us off guard.”

Stafford is one of the names mentioned in the article. The writer thinks he won’t hang it up just yet.

“Stafford nearly left the Rams this offseason, as the seasoned QB considered other teams before ultimately staying put by signing a two-year extension,” the writer says. “He’s signed through 2026, though retirement has hovered over him for some time.”

He continues that Stafford will be 37 during the 2025 campaign, “so if he stepped away after this season, it wouldn’t be shocking. Still, Stafford is playing at a high level, and with the Rams likely contending, it’d be tough to leave while they’re in the title hunt.”

That could mean more postseason matchups with a quarterback the Lions and their fans hoped they were done facing.

On the other hand, Goff is showing how invested he is in Detroit. On June 30, the WNBA revealed that a new team, backed by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and also supported by Goff and Lions owner Sheila Hamp, was approved to launch in 2029.