“The Quarterback Draft” is an exercise that the Athletic Football Show podcast performs each offseason. Essentially, over the course of the next three seasons, the show’s hosts select quarterbacks (as well as their contracts) to lead their respective teams. It will be 2026 in three years. The contract of Matthew Stafford is scheduled to expire during that same offseason. In light of this, one should consider the quarterback situation for the Los Angeles Rams going forward and if Stafford will still be starting in three years.
To clarify the guidelines, the goal of the exercise isn’t always to determine who is the best quarterback. Stafford is definitely in the top 7 at the position if such is the case. In this activity, teams are asked to choose which quarterback they would most like to lead their club for the next three years while also considering the position from a team-building standpoint. Matthew Stafford was ranked eleventh, behind Caleb Williams.
Although 11 might appear a little low, considering Stafford’s age, injury history, and contract, it makes a lot of sense over a three-year period. Stafford, who will turn 36 this season, has missed at least one game in the previous two seasons. Two years after throwing for 4,581 yards in 2020 at the age of 35, MVP-winning quarterback Matt Ryan, who was also incredibly gifted, played in the final season two years later at the age of 37.
While it’s not necessarily Stafford’s timeframe, it is a useful point of reference for quarterbacks other than Tom Brady in the present era. Even though Phillip Rivers’ arm strength declined, he continued to succeed until his final year at age 39. It is a plausible schedule that coincides with Stafford’s current contract “out,” even if we apply the Ryan timeline, which is only for the next two years. With a $49.5 million cap hit this season, Stafford will be paid $49.5 million in 2024, fourth most after Russell Wilson, Dak Prescott, and Deshaun Watson. His $50.5 cap hit in 2025 places him below Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, and Deshaun Watson.
Although Stafford’s cap price may seem expensive, he is still a talent worth backing and developing. Once more, the two-year schedule corresponds with the Rams’ “out” date until 2026, which is presently the deal’s last year. Stafford’s departure would only set the Rams back $18.5 million. Despite speculations that the quarterback wants more guaranteed money, that doesn’t mean the Rams would let go of Stafford. Stafford’s desire for greater guaranteed income suggests that he hopes to play for longer, securing his spot for the 2026 campaign.
Stafford was selected by Robert Mays at pick eleven in the quarterback selection.
