Matthew Stafford’s extension is critical to keeping the superstars together

How long has this been going on?

It’s a pretty safe bet to conclude that the 2022 NFL season will be even better for Stafford with the Rams. After all, Stafford did not train with the entire offense through much of training camp. And the Rams lost their starting running back before the season ever started.  In spite of all of that, Stafford won the Super Bowl with the LA Rams in his first season with the team. So it’s not a question of will the Rams extend him, but for how long?

We’ve put out a five-year contract because it affords the team the longest duration, and therefore the greatest opportunity to decrease the salary cap hit in 2022.  Another possibility is a four-year extension, which would leave the LA Rams renegotiating with Stafford at age 37 for an extension or age 38 if his contract expires, instead of the five-year contract scenario.

Valuation of a classic

The difference between being ages of 37, 38, or 39 may not seem like much, but it can be significant for a quarterback.

Bucs quarterback Tom Brady, who continued to play elite football in his forties, has led football fans to forget that quarterbacks typically tend to drop off a cliff in their forties. Well, that is, if they can even play into their forties.

Of course, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be another quarterback to buck the trend.  But you do not have to look far to find plenty of examples of quarterbacks who hit a wall due to their age.  Consider New Orleans Saints veteran quarterback Drew Brees, Indianapolis Colts/Denver Broncos veteran quarterback Peyton Manning, and even Steelers quarterback Ben Rothlisberger to see how quarterbacks aging can go poorly. Planning properly around an aging quarterback is crucial to a franchise’s future.