ESPN NFL Insiders share "Stafford likely to return," but add a new twist

(1) - Rams acting quickly to squelch story

While you won't get direct quotes from LA Rams coaches and personnel executives about either Cooper Kupp or Matthew Stafford, that is not to say that the Rams won't let word slip out to NFL Insiders to try to get ahead of this storyline.

And so, ESPN Insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler combined on an update about the Rams rumors over Matthew Stafford. First up is Graziano, who reassures all that Stafford is 'likely to return,' to the Rams for the 2025 NFL season:

"Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is likely to return to L.A. in 2025, according to sources close to the situation. The past two seasons have been good for Stafford, who turned 37 on Friday and believes the Rams leadership gives them the ability to contend every year."

ESPN Insider Dan Graziano

Of course, with contract negotiations to be held in the future, nothing is certain. So the ESPN tandem qualifies their optimism over Stafford returning to the team when Jeremy Fowler chimes in. "Stafford will be the top quarterback available if Los Angeles (Rams) entertains the idea of moving him," is the main counterpoint made.

"By all accounts, Stafford was happy with the direction of the offense this season, and multiple people with the team say it does not seem as if changes are coming. But other teams will inevitably call the Rams to gauge trade interest anyway. Stafford will be the top quarterback available if Los Angeles entertains the idea of moving him."

ESPN Insider Jeremy Fowler

For those fans in passionate denial that the Rams would even consider trading Matthew Stafford right now, you have your beachhead of new data to stand your ground. But keep in mind that even if the team is 99 percent likely to successfully renegotiate a contract that satisfies Stafford, that leaves a 1 percent chance of not doing so.

Either way, the Rams have to address a quarterback succession plan proactively in 2025. The train of tarnished NFL veterans QBs has been a good patchwork plan. But the team has to have a more permanent solution in place. Not just for 2025, but for years to come.

As always, thanks for reading.

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