The Los Angeles Rams are in the middle of an incredible season. Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP level, Puka Nacua looks like one of the best receivers in the NFL, and Devante Adams is in vintage form.
Add to that the defense is elite, and the Rams are having an incredible season. No aspect of the 2025 campaign thus far has been more prominent than Stafford's emergence as an MVP candidate at 37 years old.
But this MVP-caliber season does bring some complications. In each of the last two years, Stafford has been subject to contract negotiations. As Jeremy Fowler of ESPN writes, the Rams will face a challenge with Stafford this offseason.
How Matthew Stafford's MVP campaign will impact contract talks
"Matthew Stafford's MVP campaign only deepens the intrigue with his contractual fracture in Los Angeles." Fowler writes. "With the Stafford-Rams marriage thriving, perhaps L.A. Will try to avoid the drama and simply ride out that last year at the current rate."
The Rams keeping Stafford should be a priority this offseason, but if he asks for a deal north of $50 million per year, then talks could get very interesting. Stafford, in seeking $50 million per season, could price himself out of the Rams' range.
"On the flip side," Fowler writes, "the Rams have been pretty firm that they aren't interested in the $50 million per year market that 11 established (but much younger than Stafford) quarterbacks enjoy."
Multiple offseasons of trade rumors and contract talks could lead to Stafford seeking a trade this offseason, with the leverage of a strong 2025 season.
More: Matthew Stafford stats: Rams QB bolsters MVP case with dominant performance against 49ers
Los Angeles won't want to lose Stafford, especially if he continues to play this well. But if the Rams stick by their previous stance of not going into the $50 million price range, then Stafford could wind up on a new team in 2026.
This is a good problem to have, but it's a problem nonetheless. Stafford's MVP-caliber play could open the door to the veteran quarterback demanding more than the Rams are willing to pay a 37-year-old quarterback.
Stafford leaving the Rams in the offseason is unlikely, but Fowler's report cannot be ignored. After an offseason of trade rumors, those same rumors could pick up traction one year later, except this time, with a lot of leverage for Stafford.
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