Could this be the end of the Matthew Stafford era for the Rams?

If Matthew Stafford doesn’t play in the Rams next game, will he ever play for L.A. again?

The situation surrounding Matthew Stafford’s return to the Los Angeles Rams and his future with the team is straightforward. If Stafford is deemed healthy enough to play, he could start against the Seattle Seahawks in two weeks, after missing only one and a half games due to a thumb injury. However, if the Rams believe they have little to play for in the second half of the season, similar to their performance in the latter half of the previous season, they may opt not to bring Stafford back this year, and perhaps even not in the following year.

The Rams’ recent struggles, including a 20-3 loss to the Green Bay Packers with Brett Rypien as the starter, have left them with a 3-6 record, with six losses in their last eight games. This is a far cry from the team that surprised many by defeating the Seattle Seahawks 30-13 in Week 1.

While injuries have impacted the Rams’ performance in the first nine games, bringing back Stafford may not be enough to secure a winning record, especially given their remaining schedule, which includes challenging opponents.

The Rams’ issues extend beyond the quarterback position, as they have been dealing with various injuries, which are likely to persist in the remaining eight games of the season. Therefore, the decision to bring Stafford back after the bye week should be made carefully, taking into account the team’s future beyond 2023.

Bringing back Stafford when the team is 3-6 would demonstrate the Rams’ commitment to winning games in the current season and could provide opportunities for other key players, like Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, to perform better. It would signify a focus on the present rather than tanking for a higher draft pick in 2024.

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On the other hand, if the Rams decide to keep Stafford out for the rest of the season, it could increase their chances of securing a top-3 draft pick in 2024, which might be used to select a potential franchise cornerstone. The decision on whether to “tank” for a better draft position is subjective and depends on individual perspectives.

While Stafford’s health and effectiveness are uncertain, keeping him out of the remaining games could be a strategic move to avoid potential financial constraints in 2024. Stafford’s fully-guaranteed $31 million base salary for 2024 could become a burden for the team if he gets injured again in 2023.

Looking ahead, it’s unclear whether Stafford will remain with the Rams in 2024, especially if the team’s prospects for a deep playoff run appear to be in 2025. The aging process and signs of wear and tear on Stafford, along with the team’s roster dynamics, may influence his future with the Rams.

In summary, the decision to bring Stafford back or not will depend on various factors, including the team’s performance, long-term plans, and the quarterback’s health and future in the NFL.