Rams should treat every season Matthew Stafford has left as a gift

As long as Matthew Stafford wants to pilot the offense, the Los Angeles Rams will be more than delighted to have him in charge. Since 2021, he has delivered everything the team has asked and then some. He led the Rams to victory in Super Bowl LVI, despite a depleted offense around him. Last season, he won his first MVP.

But only Stafford will decide how much longer he is willing to suit up and play based on how he feels at the end of each season. Of course, that will-he-or-won't-he variability means Los Angeles must have a contingency plan in place. With Ty Simpson in line as Stafford's successor, though, Rams fans shouldn't be too worried. When the time comes, he will be ready.

The good news is that Stafford is playing the best ball of his career. Every season he returns is a gift, not an obligation to the Rams. He's already paid off the investment.

Rams must savor Matthew Stafford's golden years

All good things must come to an end. Stafford's Rams legacy is one that fans will not, and should not, soon forget. Five years into his tenure, on the downslope of a masterful career, the girl-dad quarterback continues to set franchise records.

Nobody is suggesting fans sit back and be content. Stafford is certainly not of that mindset. He will keep going for as long as his body, passion, and family life let him. Stafford would rather play injured than watch his teammates fight on without him.

Eventually, the day will come when he hangs it up, though not even Stafford knows when. Fortunately, general manager Les Snead is shrewd enough to know that this team needs answers to questions many dare not ask, resulting in the controversial selection of Simpson in this year's draft.

The next chapter is unwritten. But at least Los Angeles is prepared to turn the page. That's all the more reason to savor Stafford's twilight without being awash in anxiety.

He has shown no signs of slippage when healthy. With a well-designed offense and impenetrable blocking, Stafford rose above the rest to capture the NFL's most prestigious honors.

Still, it's a new year. Perhaps at age 38 the reigning MVP does not deliver quite the same show-stopping performance.

Stafford has more than earned the Rams' trust. It's his ship to steer until he leaves the wheel. Everything else from now on is icing on the cake. As with all gifts, the team cannot expect it, but the Horns will remain grateful for every additional season Stafford gives them.

As always, thanks for reading.

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