Don't take the '1 play away' bait in sizing up Matthew Stafford rumors

As much as I want the Los Angeles Rams and veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford to come to an agreement, there is one argument that I see being overused in any discussions on the subject. While even I have mentioned the fact that the Rams competed against the ultimate Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles than any other opponent in the postseason, one thing is clear.

Any argument that deals in the fictitious reality of 'Wudda, Cudda, Shudda...' is a fool's argument. Since it never happened, it simply never happened. And with the team pivoting to 2025, already losing veteran wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and reforming an entirely new roster, there is no chance of 'running it back,' to the same pivotal moment in the 2025 NFL season.

It won't happen because it cannot happen.

But that is not to say that the team and Stafford should not take a deep breath, wipe all negotiations to this point off the table, and attempt a fresh outlook on hammering out a new deal. But it only works if both sides can agree to budge. Here are reasons why it's vital to do so.

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Colin Cowherd has a lot to say about this one

While we can haggle over the money matters but should realize there are more factors at work with the Rams than money alone. After all, how many desperate and battle-fatigued veteran quarterbacks have rediscovered their love of the game in sunny Southern California while playing for the Los Angeles Rams? And Colid Cowherd is keen to point out that not one team currently 'in the running' for Matthew Stafford's services has the type of successful culture necessary in the locker room to pull it off.

What does stick a bit about the Rams future forecast from Cowherd is his declaration of the Rams strategy. He points out that the Rams could draft a franchise left tackle in Round 1, negating the need to re-sign veteran Alaric Jackson at fair market value. With that savings, the team could recharge Stafford's contract, propelling him to a $40+ million plateau, which should be enough to swing Stafford a bit towards center.

While the Rams cannot count on being a play away from success in 2025, they can count on an even better showing form Year 2 of the same Chris Shula defense that put up 16 quarterback sacks in two games in the 2025 NFL Playoffs. This team can count on Year 3 of the wide receiver sensation known as Puka Nacua. And the team knows that they have a great deal more yards and points to score if the team can find a healthy balance of toggling between RBs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum.

This team has a lot more going for it than Matthew Stafford. In the end, if it's not only a mercenary mission to get the biggest sack of cash possible, that should be enough to lure Matthew Stafford back to the Rams roster for the next two seasons. If it doesn't, then the Rams never had a chance of Stafford coming back in the first place.

As always, thanks so much for reading.

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