Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams, formerly Detroit Lions
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The Detroit Lions haven't had Matthew Stafford as quarterback in years, but it's still interesting to keep up with his Rams news.
Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn’t been in the Detroit area for years now, but he’ll always somehow be a part of the Motor City. Stafford famously left the Lions to go to the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, and he went on to win the big game with the Rams that same season. It’s never great to see a former Lions player do so well and not have the Lions get to that big game, but we wish him the best.
The worst is when Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams get pitted against quarterback Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions, and that’s happened quite a few times in the past two years. But, Detroit has been coming out on top, so hopefully that trend will continue.
The preseason hasn’t treated Stafford well. He’s been out of practice for a lot of the preseason, dealing with an injury. The past few weeks, he’s been back, and now, he’s expected to start in Los Angeles’ opening game. Ahead of that start, Stafford is getting honored with some big praise, and maybe it will put some wind on his back.
Former Detroit Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford Named One of the Best
Stafford could certainly be considered one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history, and one new roster names him that. In an August 30 piece for NESN, Colin Keane names Stafford the No. 50 best quarterback in the history of the league.
“Drafted first overall by the Detroit Lions in 2009 out of the University of Georgia, Stafford quickly established himself as a prolific passer despite playing on underperforming teams,” he notes in the piece. “Over 12 seasons with the Lions, he set franchise records in completions, passing yards and touchdowns, becoming the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 30,000, 40,000 and 45,000 career passing yards.”
Keane adds that “Stafford’s standout attribute is his exceptional arm strength, allowing him to make deep throws with velocity and precision. He also possesses remarkable toughness, as he’s played through broken bones and dislocations without missing significant time.”
Stafford’s contract with the Los Angeles Rams a two-year, $8.4 million contract, including $8 million guaranteed. It’s short-term deal, but he’s expected to play out the year if not longer. It will be interesting to see if he decides to retire after this season, stick with the Rams or go to another NFL team.
Playing in Los Angeles Rams Game 1
Stafford will be starting in the Los Angeles Rams’ season opener, so his injuries seem to be behind him. Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay ended the guessing about Stafford on Monday, September 1, and announced that Stafford will start the season opener against the Houston Texans. Just a week ago, McVay also said that Stafford was likely to start Week 1 but didn’t make any promises.
Stafford has been participating fully in practice over the past two weeks. He missed training camp with a disc injury in his back. This will mark Stafford’s 17th NFL season, during which he has completed 65.8 percent of his throws for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2024. Rams quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has been serving as backup to Stafford.