Every time the NFL season turns over, Matthew Stafford’s future will continue to be up in the air. That was no different after last year, heading into the league new year.
Earlier this offseason, it looked like Stafford’s time with the Los Angeles Rams could be nearing an end. But in May, he signed a two-year, $84 million extension, according to Spotrac. That means the veteran quarterback will be 38 by the time that deal expires after the 2026 season.
Sooner rather than later, the Rams will need to address the quarterback position in the NFL Draft. Fortunately for head coach Sean McVay, the 2025 draft class is expected to be deep with talent — even if Los Angeles is picking late in the first round.
USA Today’s Andrew Harbaugh recently projected that the Rams would use the No. 26 overall pick to select Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
“Matthew Stafford isn’t getting any younger, and Sean McVay is smart enough to plan for the future,” Harbaugh wrote. “Leavitt has a big arm, like Stafford, but can use a year to marinate in the NFL. This would be the perfect situation for both of them, as it enables them to reach their potential both in the short term and the long term.”
Leavitt is coming off a breakout season with the Sun Devils after transferring from Michigan State. He threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions while helping lead Arizona State to an 11–3 record — a dramatic turnaround from their 3–9 finish the year prior. The Sun Devils captured the Big 12 title and secured a College Football Playoff berth in the process.
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Still, Leavitt isn’t letting the national attention distract him.
“Even last year, I don’t think I should have played the way I did,” Leavitt said at Big 12 Media Days. “Whether or not people say I had a good season. That’s the way I view myself, always trying to go out and get better.”
If Leavitt can help Arizona State defend its Big 12 crown in 2025, there’s no doubt he’ll be considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the country. Whether the Rams can actually land him is another story. But after acquiring an extra first-round pick from the Atlanta Falcons in a recent trade, Los Angeles may have the ammo to move up and get their quarterback of the future.