As the NFL offseason heats up, the Los Angeles Rams face critical decisions about their quarterback situation following a strong 2024 season that saw them win the NFC West and reach the NFC divisional round in the playoffs. With Matthew Stafford’s future uncertain due to ongoing contract negotiations, speculation has swirled about potential replacements, including recently released New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. While Rodgers, a future Hall of Famer, might seem like an intriguing option, here are five compelling reasons why the Rams should steer clear of signing him in 2025.
1. Age and Declining Performance
At 41 years old, Aaron Rodgers is no longer the dominant force he once was. His 2024 season with the Jets showcased flashes of brilliance—3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions—but also inconsistency and a noticeable decline in mobility and decision-making under pressure. In contrast, Matthew Stafford, despite being 36, threw for 3,762 yards with 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 2024, leading the Rams to a 10-7 record and winning the NFC West despite early-season struggles. Signing Rodgers would mean banking on an older player whose best days are behind him, rather than sticking with a proven winner who fits Sean McVay’s system. For more on Rodgers’ 2024 performance, see Sporting News’ breakdown of his Jets tenure.
2. Cultural Mismatch with the Rams
The Rams thrive under a team-first culture cultivated by head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead. Matthew Stafford embodies this ethos—quiet, professional, and focused on execution rather than headlines. Rodgers, however, brings a larger-than-life persona that often comes with distractions. His time with the Jets was marked by off-field noise, from his weekly media appearances to reported tensions with team leadership. As Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times argues, “The Rams don’t do selfishness. The Rams wouldn’t work for Rodgers.” Signing him risks disrupting the cohesive locker room that propelled the Rams to a Super Bowl title in 2021.
3. Short-Term Gain, Long-Term Pain
The Rams are built to win now, with a young defensive core and emerging offensive talent like Puka Nacua. However, Rodgers, even if he plays in 2025, is unlikely to commit beyond a single season at this stage of his career. His recent comments suggest he’s still weighing retirement, telling Jets brass it’s his “tentative intention” to play but offering no guarantees. Signing Rodgers would be a stopgap move, leaving the Rams without a long-term plan at quarterback. Stafford, while older, has shown durability and a willingness to stay with the team.
4. Better Alternatives Exist
If the Rams move on from Stafford, younger or more cost-effective options make more sense than Rodgers. Free agents like Sam Darnold or Justin Fields could provide upside at a lower cost, while the 2025 draft offers a chance to groom a rookie behind a veteran bridge quarterback. With the Jets, Rodgers’ annual salary was $37.5. Would he demand a similar deal? If so, it would make no sense for the Rams to sign him. Analysts at The New York Times rank Rodgers at #27 in the 2025 free agent class. Lower than Sam Darnold and one notch above Justin Fields, suggesting the Rams should look elsewhere.
5. The Rodgers Experience Isn’t Worth the Headache
Rodgers’ tenure with the Jets was a rollercoaster—highlighted by a torn Achilles in 2023 and a 5-12 record in 2024, despite adding Davante Adams midseason. As NBC Sports notes, “Stafford is the exact opposite of Rodgers. Stafford isn’t an ‘all about me’ guy.” The Rams don’t need the drama that follows Rodgers, from his cryptic retirement hints to his polarizing public persona. Their late-season surge in 2024 and a trip to the playoffs prove they can compete with stability at quarterback, not a high-risk experiment.
Wrapping It Up
Aaron Rodgers remains a legendary talent, but the Rams would be wise to pass on him in 2025. His age, cultural fit, short-term viability, and the availability of better options all point to a mismatch. Sticking with Stafford—or finding a younger successor—aligns with the Rams’ goal of sustained contention. As the offseason unfolds, Los Angeles should prioritize stability over spectacle, keeping their eyes on the Super Bowl prize rather than a fading star.
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