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49ers vs. Rams Rivalry Heats Up With 2 Major Trade Decisions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Adam Schultz | Last updated Mar 2, 2025 9:49 AM ET

For the last couple of weeks, the San Francisco 49ers were likely in the mindset of not having to face Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford in 2025.

With the Rams reportedly allowing Stafford to gauge interest from other teams, and with the Las Vegas Raiders reportedly interested, it did seem like Stafford was going to be on a new team next season.

But, alas, that isn't the case, and the 49ers will have to face Stafford twice in 2025.

His wife, Kelly, who reportedly was part of the reason why the Rams allowed Matthew to shop himself around due to her social media comments and thoughts, posted on her Instagram page with a photo of Matthew and four words, reading: " No place like home."

So after all of the media hype and the trade proposals, it was all for nothing with Stafford remaining a Ram for the 2025 season. What happens beyond that is anyone's guess, but Matthew will lead Sean McVay's team next season.

And the 49ers, who are fresh off trading Deebo Samuel to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick, will have to face the Super Bowl-winning quarterback after thinking they might have seen the last of him.

Two big decisions. One big rivalry.

That's football, and whether or not Kelly and her social media commitments, which reportedly irked the Rams, will play a role in how the franchise moves forward is unknown, but maybe she might be asked to reel it in a bit.

Either way, a Stafford return in 2025 isn't ideal for the 49ers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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