Matthew Stafford Could Be on His Way Out of Los Angeles Sooner Than Expected

Although it’s been several seasons since Matthew Stafford wore a Detroit Lions uniform, many fans in Detroit still keep tabs on the veteran quarterback. Stafford, who served as the Lions’ starting QB from 2009 through 2020, never led the team to a Super Bowl, but his legacy still resonates with many in the Motor City. While Jared Goff is firmly entrenched as the Lions’ current leader under center, Stafford remains a topic of interest—similar to how you might keep an eye on an ex.

Currently playing for the Los Angeles Rams, the 37-year-old Stafford is gearing up for another season after signing a contract extension this offseason. However, questions are starting to swirl about how much longer he’ll remain with the team.

NFL Expert Predicts Stafford and Rams Could Part Ways

Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report recently analyzed each NFL team’s quarterback situation following the 2025 NFL Draft. His evaluation took into account several factors including age, contract status, performance trajectory, injury concerns, and overall team direction.

In his piece, Gagnon highlighted several franchises that might soon be hunting for a new quarterback—and the Rams were one of them. He suggested that 2024 could be Stafford’s final season with Los Angeles.

“Stafford is returning for at least one more go, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he retired after this year,” Gagnon wrote. “Alternatively, the Rams could choose to part ways with him, considering his age and the hefty cost of retaining a quarterback whose passer rating since 2022 stands at 91.8.”

Gagnon also identified the Pittsburgh Steelers as the team most likely to be actively seeking a quarterback solution soon, particularly as they navigate uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers.

National Host Backs Stafford Over Rodgers

Meanwhile, Fox Sports personality Colin Cowherd recently offered high praise for Stafford on The Herd. On his May 7 episode, Cowherd claimed that if Stafford wins another Super Bowl, his legacy could ultimately outshine that of Aaron Rodgers.

Cowherd stated, “Matt Stafford doesn’t have to worry about things like rising grocery prices. But he could have struggled with the Giants’ O-line. This was a smart move.” He elaborated further: “If Stafford manages to reach—and win—another Super Bowl, I believe history will look at him more favorably than Rodgers.”

He continued by comparing their careers: “Stafford was better in high school, college, and during the first few years of their pro careers. And over the last few years, Stafford has outperformed Rodgers in the postseason. They each have one ring, but Stafford is becoming the better playoff quarterback.”

The new NFL season is set to kick off on Thursday, September 4, with the league’s opening game.

Written by Anne Erickson, an award-winning journalist who covers the NFL, NBA, and college football. Erickson is also a prominent Detroit radio host and has conducted interviews with major sports figures including Lions quarterback Jared Goff.