“I think he can play as long as he wants,” LA Rams HC Sean McVay said while talking about Matthew Stafford. But now, he is even hungrier for success. And it has reached a pinnacle when everyone from the outside can see it. Before we dive further, let’s keep it subtle by mentioning it has come with age.

The Athletic reporter Nate Atkins remembered two moments of Stafford’s long career. One from the Lions vs Bears game when he pushed past 2 defenders. Another one was Khalil Mack trying to stop him, but Stafford stood like a mountain. But he called out the changes in the game and mentioned, “We’re not currently seeing that version. This one is fighting to live for another play, another game, another milestone, another shot at a title.” Age is catching up.

When Matthew Stafford left the Lions, he was 33 years old. In his first year in 2021, the Rams won Super Bowl LVI. Since then, they have made it to the playoffs twice, but couldn’t reach the NFC Championship. The 2022 season ended because of a spinal cord contusion. Even in the next 2 years, his passer rating has dropped from 102.9 in 2021 to 92.5 in 2023 and 93.7 in 2024.

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However, Adkins pointed out the change of strategy in their game and added, “It also means playing a chess game with opposing defenses that has him dialed in and knowing where to attack by the fourth quarter, which was always the best version of Stafford in Detroit.” That is a real change, which has upped his QB rating to 107.1 after 4 games.

In 2025, Matthew Stafford has always picked up the tempo in the 2nd half, particularly in the 4th quarter. In 4 games, he has completed 41 of 71 passes (57.7% completion rate) for 451 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in the first half. In the second half, he has done 51 of 65 passes (78.4% completion rate) for 663 yards and 6 touchdowns. His passer rating also shot up from 74.3 in the first half to 139.9 in the final half.

It reveals that he is also sensing an end and wants to go out on a high. That is also the only way to continue with the Rams, who might be looking for another signal caller if this season doesn’t go as expected. One name is already making the rounds.

LA Rams might replace Matthew Stafford next year

Sean McVay has put together a tough offense. WR Puka Nacua is leading the NFL receiver group with 503 yards. That’s pretty mind-boggling. Amid this, the coach needs someone who can carry them forward if Matthew Stafford decides to hang up his boots. Colts QB Anthony Richardson might be a frontrunner if the side decides to trade him.

According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, “My sense is Richardson would be open to joining a premier playcaller such as Sean McVay as a developmental player so he can reset for 2026.” That’s pretty interesting.

His fellow insider also echoed the same sentiment by saying, “Richardson is an interesting one. I remember a couple of teams wondering whether Indy would be open to moving him during free agency.” The LA Rams are one of those teams that definitely need a signal-caller next year.

However, it also depends on the NFC West franchise. In two years with the Colts, Richardson hasn’t put on a great show. In his rookie year in 2023, he only played 4 games, ending the season with a 2-2 record. he only completed 50 of 84 passes (59.5% completion rate) with 3 TDs and 1 interception. His performance slumped even more the next year.

In his sophomore year, he finished with a 6-5 record, completing 126 of 264 passes (47.7% completion rate) for 1814 passing yards, 8 TDs, and 12 interceptions. He had a good rushing game with 86 rushes for 499 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.

Next year is going to be far more surprising!