actionjack
You can't replace Stafford so no, but I doubt he goes. It would be a massive f up if the Rams dont sign Stafford, the window would close.
With respect I disagree. If Stafford wants to stay he simply needs to make himself affordable, simple as that. I think this is the Rams way to decide the issue. Either Matt gets the elite level contract he wants, i.e. probably $50M/yr plus or he could play in LA for a one year contract of about $30M+ with the understanding he's bridge for a rookie. Either way the Rams will get something they can live with and continue to grow as a team.
I think people downplay just how good the defense played down the stretch. They were instrumental in getting the team into the playoffs and they will be better in 2025 overall than last season. Do people think Purdy or Hurts is better than Stafford? In some ways they are...cheaper, more mobile and a fit for their offenses. Stafford is holding the offense back, by not allowing it to expand the QB position.
With this roster they could win a Lombardi with Purdy. Winning the Super Bowl is a team effort. Stafford and Kupp carried the offense. But Donald and Gaines ended the game with a winning stop for the defense. To think it all depends upon Stafford this year is erroneous. It's going to take the entire team on both sides of the ball to not just get to the SB but to also win it.
The proof is in the Eagles / Ram playoff game. The Eagles blowout KC. The Ram defense gave the Ram offense the opportunity to win their game. To think it all depends upon Stafford is to say he's more important than the rest of the team. The years since the SB has proved that simply isn't true. If it was why didn't they win in 2023?
The Rams need to be good in all 3 phases, i.e. offense, defense and STs. The weakness on defense is stopping the run. The weakness on the offense is continuity on the OL and limited play at QB.