The Los Angeles Rams' decision to forgo drafting a quarterback in the recent NFL Draft may haunt them in the coming years. As the team heads into the 2025 season with Matthew Stafford, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Stetson Bennett, the uncertainty surrounding Stafford's future looms large. Analyst Kristopher Knox points out that while the Rams had opportunities to select promising talent like Shedeur Sanders, they opted to prioritize other needs, potentially leaving them scrambling for a franchise quarterback later.

Knox suggests that the Rams could have easily moved down in the draft to secure Sanders or considered other quarterback options like Jaxson Dart. The lack of a clear succession plan for Stafford raises questions about the team's long-term strategy. Without an immediate plan in place, the Rams risk facing challenges down the road, particularly when Stafford decides to retire. With two first-round picks in 2026, the Rams have potential pathways to find their next star quarterback, but they might regret not investing in the position sooner.

The Los Angeles Rams made a significant move this offseason by restructuring Matthew Stafford's contract to ensure his presence through 2025. The new deal reduced his cap number from $49.67 million to $40.97 million, freeing up $8.7 million in cap space for the Rams, leaving them with an estimated total of $26.36 million available. With the rookie draft class requiring only $1.69 million in cap space, the Rams are well-positioned for the upcoming season, retaining flexibility to pursue potential trades or contracts. This strategic move reflects the Rams' commitment to maintaining a competitive roster.

Matthew Stafford's restructured contract with the Los Angeles Rams has officially been finalized, revealing some major financial shifts. Despite a reduced cap hit, his 2025 salary has surged from $27 million to $44 million, resulting in a total raise of $26 million across the life of the contract. This includes a significant $17 million increase in the 2025 season, alongside multiple option bonuses worth up to $24 million. Stafford's salary ranks him among the NFL's highest-paid quarterbacks, underscoring the Rams' commitment to him as they continue their Super Bowl aspirations.

Sean McVay noted Stafford's willingness to make sacrifices to remain with the Rams, suggesting he could have fetched a higher salary elsewhere. The contract changes also reflect the team's strategy to invest in a proven leader while managing their salary cap effectively through the addition of void years. Stafford expressed gratitude for the deal, emphasizing his desire to stay in Los Angeles and contribute to the team's success.

The Los Angeles Rams made several notable moves during the 2025 offseason, including the retention of quarterback Matthew Stafford and the signing of star wide receiver Davante Adams, upgrading from Cooper Kupp. The team also bolstered its roster through the draft, selecting players like Terrance Ferguson and Jarquez Hunter, but did not make significant improvements to their troubled secondary, which contributed to their struggles in the previous season.

Analyst Frank Schwab grades the Rams' offseason as a B-, pointing out that while the addition of Adams is impressive, concerns remain regarding the draft choices and the lack of defensive upgrades. With an extra first-round pick for 2026, the Rams have the potential for more impactful moves before the season starts.

The Los Angeles Rams are positioning themselves for a strong run in the 2025 NFL season, aiming to repeat as NFC West champions. With the return of Matthew Stafford and the addition of Davante Adams, expectations are high. Nonetheless, analyst Kyle Soppe of Pro Football Network predicts the Rams will fall short of the playoffs despite a 82.4% playoff probability. He cites concerns about the aging roster and a demanding schedule, including a flight for an international game in Australia, as potential pitfalls.

Despite these challenges, the Rams' defense showed improvement last season, and their ability to keep key players healthy will be crucial. Critics argue that the combination of veteran talent and increased travel could hinder their postseason aspirations. However, with a talented roster and strong coaching, the Rams have the potential to exceed expectations.