
via Imago
Credits: Imago

via Imago
Credits: Imago
Is the quarterback who led the team into the playoffs going to retire soon? This offseason has seen a few retirements, starting with Jason Kelce. And then it was Aaron Donald, who ended his 10-year stint in the league, by announcing his retirement on social media on Friday, March 15. So now, is it Matthew Stafford’s turn?
Like many teams, the Los Angeles Rams are facing complexities with their quarterback situation. They recently signed veteran QB Jimmy Garoppolo to back up Stafford. However, will Garoppolo be backing him up, or play himself as the starter? A recent revelation by Stafford’s wife is drawing in concerns.
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Matthew Stafford and his retirement claims?
The official account of MLFootball on X, shared an Instagram screenshot of Matthew Stafford’s wife Kelly Hall’s comments on her husband’s post. As per MLFootball, “Kelly Stafford says she may get her husband Matthew to RETIRE from the #Rams after Aaron Donald did today.”
WOW… Kelly Stafford says she may get her husband Matthew to RETIRE from the #Rams after Aaron Donald did today
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 15, 2024
In the comments, Kelly has written, “Chills. Can’t believe I’ll be watching football without you on that field. You definitely set the bar high for the generation behind you. Miss you and @ericadonald99 already. We love y’all so much and know the future is bright! Hell, maybe I’ll get Matthew to retire and we can do it together!”
So, does this mean, the 36-year-old Rams starter is going to follow the team’s defensive tackle Donald in his retirement decision? Nothing has been officially revealed yet, but his wife’s comment has definitely brought in some speculations and concerns regarding Stafford and the Rams.
Nevertheless, the franchise has picked up a veteran QB as their backup.
Will Garoppolo fulfill the QB role perfectly if Stafford retires?
Last season, Matthew Stafford led his team to the playoffs “for the first time since Stafford helped lead them to a win in Super Bowl LVI in 2021.” Although they lost to the Lions with a point in the wildcard round, Stafford and his team’s performance definitely won the hearts of many.
This offseason, the Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo to back up Stafford. But amidst the retirement rumors, the NFL analysts are speculating about the future of the Rams with Garoppolo. Many believe Garoppolo might be good as a backup QB and not a starter because of his recent subpar performance in past seasons. As compared to Stafford’s 56,047 passing yards, Garoppolo has accumulated mere 15,494 yards in his NFL career.
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USA Today via Reuters
Oct 15, 2023; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) makes a pass against the New England Patriots in the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
Garoppolo, who was recently released by the Raiders, is known for his ability to win games. He started his career with the Pats, played six seasons with the 49ers, and then joined the Raiders in March 2023. During his time with the 49ers, he led the team to the Super Bowl, and often gave the Rams a tough time under coach Kyle Shanhan.
Despite facing various injuries throughout his career, including knee, shoulder and foot injuries, Garoppolo has thrown 94 TDs and 51 INTs. Last season he played in seven games, throwing 7 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. The Rams needed a reliable backup QB. They drafted Stetson Bennett as Stafford’s backup last year, however; he has been sidelined because of undisclosed reasons. It is unclear if Bennett will return, prompting the Rams to seek a backup option like Garoppolo.
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However, let’s not forget that Garoppolo has been given a two-game suspension for violating the league’s policy. So, in this case, they will be needing a QB, probably a starter, if Stafford decides to retire.
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