Matthew Stafford’s future continues to fuel speculation each NFL offseason. This year started no differently.
The Los Angeles Rams appeared ready to move on from their veteran quarterback earlier this spring. Instead, they committed long-term.
Stafford signed a two-year, $84 million extension in May, according to Spotrac. The deal keeps him under contract through the 2026 season, when he’ll be 38.
The Rams know they’ll need to draft Stafford’s replacement soon.
Head coach Sean McVay should have plenty of options in the 2025 draft class. The quarterback position is expected to be deep with talent, even if Los Angeles picks late in the first round.
USA Today’s Andrew Harbaugh projects the Rams will use the No. 26 overall pick on Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
“Matthew Stafford isn’t getting any younger, and Sean McVay is smart enough to plan for the future. Leavitt has a big arm, like Stafford, but can use a year to marinate in the NFL. This would be the perfect situation for both of them, as it enables them to reach their potential both in the short term and the long term.”
Leavitt transferred from Michigan State before his breakout season with the Sun Devils.
He threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading Arizona State to an 11-3 record. That’s a complete turnaround from the previous year’s 3-9 finish.
The Sun Devils won the Big 12 title and earned a College Football Playoff berth.
Leavitt isn’t letting the national attention go to his head. He remains focused on improvement rather than praise.
“Even last year, I don’t think I should have played the way I did. Whether or not people say I had a good season. That’s the way I view myself, always trying to go out and get better.”
Leavitt made those comments at Big 12 Media Days.
Another strong season defending Arizona State’s conference title would cement Leavitt as a top quarterback prospect. Whether the Rams can actually land him remains unclear.
Los Angeles recently acquired an extra first-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons in a trade. That could give them the assets needed to move up and select their quarterback of the future.
