Matthew Stafford

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matthew-stafford
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MatthewStafford
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Kendrick Bourne Recruits Cooper Kupp to Patriots Amid WR's Uncertain Rams Future

Jan 22, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up on the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Cooper Kupp #10 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up on the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams could save some serious money by releasing veteran wideout Cooper Kupp this offseason, and given that trade rumors involving him circulated during the 2024 season, his future with the Rams is somewhat up in the air.

So New England Patriots wideout Kendrick Bourne saw an opportunity to recruit him to Foxboro:

Kupp told reporters Monday that he'll continue his career into the 2025 season and feels as though he's "got a lot of good football left in me," but acknowledged that his future may not be with the Rams.

"Who knows what's going to happen?" he said. "That's out of my control. And we will see what it's going to be. ... I don't have any clarity on what that's going to look like or anything like that. So yeah, obviously would love to be in L.A., but I don't know what that's going to look like."

Kupp, 31, has a $29.7 million cap hit in 2025 under his current deal with the Rams and a $27.3 million cap hit in 2026. By cutting him, the Rams would save $15 million in cash and $7.5 million against the cap (and if he was a post-June 1 cut, they'd carry $22.2 million in dead cap).

The veteran wideout was once one of the game's elite wideouts and Matthew Stafford's top target, but he caught just 67 passes for 710 yards and six touchdowns in 12 games this season. Health remains a concern for Kupp—he's missed 18 games in the past three seasons—and even when he's available, Puka Nacua (79 catches for 990 yards and three scores in 11 games) has clearly emerged as the top option in the Rams' passing attack.

Between his significant cap hit and Nacua's emergence, the Rams could ultimately deem Kupp expendable.

The Patriots, meanwhile, could desperately use some playmakers for promising young quarterback Drake Maye. The Rams may not move on from Kupp, but if they do, New England would make sense as a potential suitor.

Rams' Matthew Stafford Will 'Take Some Time' to Think About His NFL Future

Jan 20, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter during the NFC Divisional Playoff at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

After the Los Angeles Rams' 28-22 divisional playoff loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, 36-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford said he will need to "take some time to think about" his future as he heads into the offseason, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop.

At the conclusion of his 16th season in the league, Stafford told reporters, it "Sure feels like" he has more football left in him.

"I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball," Stafford added, per Barshop.

This season, Stafford accumulated 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, posting a 64.7 quarterback rating.

Stafford has two years remaining on his contract with the Rams, though head coach Sean McVay declined to address any questions about Stafford's future following the loss.

"Right now, I'm just appreciative of this team," McVay said, per Barshop.

Despite a rough 1-4 start to the season, the Rams bounced back, winning nine of their next ten games to secure the NFC West division title.

After a late comeback attempt against the Eagles on Sunday, McVay expressed his shock at the outcome, saying he "didn't see it going any other way than us winning that game 29-28," per Barshop

Wide receiver Puka Nacua echoed that sentiment, showing his support for the veteran quarterback, who threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns in the loss.

"Everybody in this locker room, we believe in (Stafford) with every inch of our being," Nacua said, according to Barshop. "It's a great feeling going out there and knowing that your quarterback is willing to put it all on the line and is capable of making plays anytime it's asked of him. We have all trust in No. 9."

Whatever Stafford decides, he has the full support of his teammates and coach. Although his decision is still pending, he spoke about the next time he steps on the field following the game.

"Had a chance for it and didn't get it done," Stafford said, per Barshop. "But I love competing. I love being in those moments. Sure as hell not afraid of them. And competed my ass off and it didn't go the way I wanted to today. Next time I'm out there, line it up. Let's do it again."

Matthew Stafford, Rams Saluted by NFL Fans After Close Playoff Loss to Eagles in Snow

Jan 20, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up on the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 19: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams warms up on the field prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty Images)

Matt Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams nearly completed an epic comeback in a driving snowstorm, but they fell just short to the host Philadelphia Eagles 28-22 in the NFC Divisional round on Sunday.

The Eagles went up 28-15 after running back Saquon Barkley galloped 78 yards for a touchdown with 4:36 remaining in regulation.

However, Stafford then led a 10-play, 70-yard touchdown drive in just 1:48 capped by a four-yard touchdown pass to Colby Parkinson. Stafford went 6-of-9 for 72 yards. After Joshua Karty's PAT, L.A. trailed 28-22 with 2:48 left.

The Rams then forced a three-and-out and got the ball back on their own 18-yard line. Stafford went to work once again, with the big play a 37-yard toss to Puka Nacua that set L.A. up with a 1st-and-10 from the Philadelphia 21-yard line.

Two plays and eight yards later, the Rams had a 3rd-and-2 from the 13-yard line. Eagles defensive lineman Jalen Carter then burst through a wide-open gap in the line to sack Stafford, forcing a 4th-and-11.

Carter then got another pressure on Stafford, who sailed a pass over a double-teamed Nacua.

After one kneeldown, the game was over.

It was a tough end to a potentially epic comeback. L.A. was previously in good position down 16-15 following a safety on Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, but running back Kyren Williams and Stafford lost fumbles on back-to-back possessions, leading to Jake Elliott field goals.

After a Rams three-and-out, Barkley ran for his second touchdown en route to finishing with 232 total yards.

To the Rams' credit, though, they never wilted.

That's been the calling card for L.A. over the past two seasons. The Rams started 3-6 in 2023 but finished 10-7 and nearly upset the Detroit Lions in the NFC Wild Card round before losing 24-23.

This year, L.A. began 1-4 but then won nine of 11 games to clinch the NFC West. The Rams then crushed the Minnesota Vikings 27-9 in the NFC Wild Card in Arizona after the Los Angeles area wildfires forced the game to move to another location.

L.A. hung tough with the favored Eagles, though, even in the snow. Stafford completed 26-of-44 passes for 324 yards and two touchdowns for the Rams, who got much respect for their effort.

https://twitter.com/tylerahawk/status/1881119229631684901
https://twitter.com/tombradyfan53/status/1881119432195690510

The Rams' season is now over, but the future remains bright in L.A. given its talent on both sides of the ball and head coach Sean McVay leading the way.

Saquon Barkley Wows NFL Fans as Eagles Beat Rams in Snow Despite Jalen Hurts Injury

Jan 19, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, top, pushes through the Los Angeles Rams defense during the second quarter during an NFC divisional round at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 19: Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, top, pushes through the Los Angeles Rams defense during the second quarter during an NFC divisional round at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, PA. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

The Philadelphia Eagles are headed to the NFC Championship Game after defeating the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, 28-22, in a game highlighted by windy, snowy weather that completely changed how the game was played in the second half.

Saquon Barkley had another epic game for the Eagles, rushing for 205 yards and two touchdowns, while a hobbled Jalen Hurts—who suffered a knee injury in the second half but continued to play, albeit at less than 100 percent—finished 15-of-20 for 128 yards and rushed for 70 yards and a score.

You could pick any number of MVPs for the Eagles in this one.

Barkley, who remained the fulcrum of Philadelphia's offense and put the Rams away late. Kicker Jake Elliott, who missed a pair of extra points but buried all three of his field-goal attempts through the difficult conditions. A defense that forced two crucial second-half turnovers, sacked Matthew Stafford five times and came up with a late stand to preserve the victory.

But however you slice it, the main difference in the game was this: The Eagles handled the wintry mess better than the Rams, winning the turnover battle 2-0 and converting key moments better than their counterparts.

After the game, fans and pundits alike couldn't help but discuss the elements, and how the Eagles—and the effervescent Barkley—navigated them:

Despite the win—and despite getting to host the NFC Championship Game next week against the Washington Commanders—there is a lot of concern for the Eagles after this game.

Hurts, alongside cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Isaiah Rodgers, suffered injuries. The Birds left a lot of meat on the bone, blowing huge scoring opportunities and settling for field goals rather than punching in touchdowns. The defense nearly blew a 13-point lead with 4:36 remaining. Hurts took seven sacks, a product of both holding onto the ball too long and the normally vaunted offensive line losing a number of one-on-one matchups. The pass offense yet again failed to executive at a high level, even before the conditions worsened in the second half, and A.J. Brown and Hurts seemed out of sync.

It wasn't pretty. Snow games rarely are, and games involving the 2024 Eagles always seem to be nervy affairs. But the Birds are still alive, gutting out a tough win through a blanket of snow.

Matthew Stafford, McVay, Kupp Talk Importance of Rams' Win vs. Vikings for LA Fans

Jan 14, 2025
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with Cooper Kupp #10 during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with Cooper Kupp #10 during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The significance of Monday's 27-9 win over the Minnesota Vikings beyond its playoff consequences wasn't lost on members of the Los Angeles Rams.

The NFC Wild Card Round matchup, which was moved to Glendale, Arizona, came as emergency responders are still fighting wildfires impacting the Los Angeles area.

"There was definitely every excuse in the book to come out here and be lethargic and woe is me and all that, but we knew we weren't playing just for us," Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said, per ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "[We were] playing for people back home that needed something to watch and enjoy and I'm glad we could give that to them."

Head coach Sean McVay and wide receiver Cooper Kupp echoed the sentiment.

"You talk about sports offering a platform for people to come together, offer a little bit of temporary relief, and I thought the way that our team competed tonight was what it looked like," McVay said.

Kupp added that the Rams felt a "responsibility" to leave everything on the field.

"You go out through the tunnel and that weight hits you front and center," he said. "These people are here and the energy that they brought, the atmosphere that they created, you wanted to make the most of that."

The Rams announced last week they were arranging for at least 15 charter buses to transport season-ticket holders from Los Angeles to State Farm Stadium. According to Barshop, that number grew to around 30 buses, which helped around 1,500 fans make the trek from Southern California.

Those fans didn't go home disappointed as Los Angeles cruised past Minnesota.

The Rams led 24-3 at halftime, scoring twice inside the final 4:35 of the second quarter. Rookie linebacker Jared Verse returned a fumble 57 yards for a touchdown and then Stafford connected with tight end Davis Allen on a 13-yard pass with 15 seconds on the clock.

Stafford finished 19-of-27 for 209 yards and two touchdowns, while running back Kyren Williams went for 76 yards on the ground. In addition to forcing two turnovers, the Rams defense sacked Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold nine times, which tied a single-game playoff record.

Los Angeles will hit the road to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the next round.

Matthew Stafford, Rams Hyped by NFL Fans as Super Bowl Sleeper After Win vs. Vikings

Jan 14, 2025
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - JANUARY 13: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff at State Farm Stadium on January 13, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Minnesota Vikings were the team with 14 wins that battled for the NFC's No. 1 seed all season long, but you would never know from Monday's playoff game.

The Los Angeles Rams rolled to a 27-9 victory over Minnesota in the NFC Wild Card Round to set up a date with the Philadelphia Eagles in the Divisional Round. While the game was moved to State Farm Stadium in Arizona because of the wildfires in the Los Angeles area, the Rams looked right at home as they controlled the contest from the opening possession.

Matthew Stafford went 19-of-27 for 209 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions, while the defense forced two turnovers and tallied nine sacks.

Minnesota never got anything going until it was too late as Sam Darnold went 25-of-40 for 245 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Los Angeles also held stars Justin Jefferson (five catches for 58 yards) and Aaron Jones (48 rushing yards) in check and out of the end zone in an impressive overall performance.

The Rams may be a wild-card team that now has to go on the road, but social media was discussing their Super Bowl prospects as the blowout unfolded:

https://twitter.com/WashedIsRyan/status/1878995238334996726

It was clear from the start who was going to win, as Los Angeles wasted no time setting the tone while marching seven plays for 70 yards and a touchdown on the game's opening drive. Stafford found Kyren Williams for the score and continued to pick apart the Minnesota secondary as his team built a 10-0 lead in the opening quarter.

It was the defense's turn from there, as Cobie Durant picked off Darnold before Ahkello Witherspoon's sack on the ensuing Minnesota possession knocked the ball loose for Jared Verse to scoop up and return 57 yards for a touchdown.

Los Angeles sacked Darnold six times in the first half with one coming on a fourth-down attempt. It was in full control of the line of scrimmage against a Vikings team that looked nothing like the one that won 14 games in the regular season.

The fourth-down sack set up another touchdown pass from Darnold to Davis Allen as the Rams took a commanding 24-3 halftime lead.

The second half was largely a formality, although Darnold gave the Vikings a chance with a third-quarter touchdown pass to T.J. Hockenson. Los Angeles' pressure also didn't get to the USC product during the third quarter like it did in the early going, and Minnesota started to build some momentum.

Still, that momentum was short-lived as the defensive pressure returned in the fourth and cut short multiple Vikings' drives. Stafford and Co. didn't have to do much as the Rams put the finishing touches on the win.

It might take an even better performance to advance against the Eagles, but the NFC West team looked like a contender Monday.

Report: Matthew Stafford Has Home Inspected By Police, NFL Security amid Burglaries

Jan 1, 2025
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams during warm up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams during warm up before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Amid the recent wave of burglaries that have occurred at the home of professional athletes, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is taking extra precaution to ensure his house is secure.

Per TMZ Sports, Stafford recently invited police officers and NFL security to inspect his home for potential weak spots.

TMZ noted law enforcement said they provided tips and additional safety measures Stafford can take to prevent his home from being targeted.

In a recent liasion information report obtained by Aaron Katersky and Josh Margolin of ABC News, the FBI warned pro sports leagues about organized crime groups targeting the homes of professional athletes.

"These homes are targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash," the report said.

The FBI noted these groups have allegedly burglarized the homes of at least nine professional athletes between September and November.

Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce had their homes burglarized on Oct. 7 right around the start of their Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints.

The homes of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Dončić and Dallas Stars captain Tyler Seguin were burglarized within a few weeks of each other. U.S. authorities announced Joe Burrow's home was broken into during the Cincinnati Bengals' game against the Dallas Cowboys on Dec. 9.

Per Malik Jackson of Fox 4 in Kansas City, police believe the people behind these burglaries are members of a South American crime ring.

There's no indication at this point that any of the athlete homes that have been burglarized were occupied at the time of the alleged incidents.

Among the instructions law enforcement officials have been providing to athletes, per TMZ, is to make sure their entire homes have security alarms rather than just the first floor and avoid leaving ladders around the property.

In 2023, Stafford purchased a $28 million property in Los Angeles that used to belong to Jennifer Lopez.

Matthew Stafford, Rams Thrill NFL Fans in Win vs. Kyler, Cardinals amid Playoff Push

Dec 29, 2024
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first quarter at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Rams' defense came up clutch during a 13-9 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.

As the Cardinals attempted to score a go-ahead touchdown with just under one minute remaining in the fourth quarter, a pass from Kyler Murray bounced off the helmet of tight end Trey McBride before it was intercepted by Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon.

Matthew Stafford dealt with inaccuracy at various points throughout the contest, finishing 17-of-32 for 189 yards without recording a touchdown or an interception.

Stafford's top target was Puka Nacua, who hauled in 10 receptions for a game-high 129 yards. Saturday marked Nacua's fifth game with at least 100 receiving yards in 11 appearances this season.

Los Angeles' defense forced two fourth-quarter turnovers and routinely pressured Murray, sacking him four times. The Cardinals were held scoreless throughout the first half of the contest.

After the Rams picked up a key NFC West victory that marked their fifth consecutive win, fans praised their performance.

For the Cardinals, Murray finished 33-of-48 for 321 yards and a touchdown to go along with a pair of interceptions.

Arizona amassed 396 yards of offense, but an inability to finish drives prevented head coach Jonathan Gannon's team from putting more points on the board.

Los Angeles improved to 10-6 with the win, staying in control of the NFC West with one regular-season game remaining.

The Rams can clinch a division title with least three wins or two wins and a tie from the Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, San Francisco 49ers, Minnesota Vikings and Cleveland Browns in Week 17.

The Rams secured consecutive 10-win seasons on Saturday and could potentially lock down a playoff spot before their final game of the regular season.

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