Adam Schefter floats potential for Matthew Stafford retirement
Adam Schefter has covered Matthew Stafford since the Rams quarterback joined the league in 2009. After 15 years, the insider has seen the quarterback bring about a surge of excitement in Detroit, a struggle to defeat Aaron Rodgers in the NFC North and his late-career breakthrough to win a Super Bowl.
Now, the insider appears to be mentally preparing for the quarterback's retirement. Speaking on the Dec. 5 edition of "Get Up," Schefter floated the possibility of Stafford stepping away from the game for good in a discussion about Aaron Rodgers' potential landing spots after 2024.
Adam Schefter: [00:13:09] "He would have to be called a bridge, but let's just say I'm making up a hypothetical. Sam Darnold leaves Minnesota. JJ McCarthy still recovering from his ACL. Let's bring in Aaron Rodgers until we know that JJ is healthy. That's an example," he said.
"Matthew Stafford decides to retire. The Rams draft a quarterback. But you know what? Let's bring in Aaron Rodgers right now because we think we could win," he added. [00:13:34][24.6] Get Up
Of course, Schefter was clear about speaking in hypotheticals, but he did open the door. Stafford has been around for quite a while and at this point, there is most likely a shorter road ahead than behind him in the league.
Exploring potential dates for Matthew Stafford's retirement
The quarterback of the Los Angeles Rams was added to the team with the understanding that he would not last as long as Jared Goff, but could operate at a higher level.
Four years after making the trade, the Rams are wading into a period in which Stafford could realistically call it quits as he heads into an age-37 season. As it stands, the Rams quarterback has a potential out built into his contract in this upcoming season, per Spotrac.
If the Rams were to decide to move on after another failure to make a deep playoff run, Stafford would be forced to choose between continuing to play or hanging up his helmet.
If the Los Angeles Rams elect to push on, Stafford still has two years left on his deal, concluding after the 2026 season. After his current contract ends, Stafford will be entering an age-39 season in 2027. Could that be enough for him to call it a career?
If any of the above quotes are used, credit "Get Up," and H/T Sportskeeda.