Matthew Stafford retirement rumors persist despite Rams QB's comments

Perhaps Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford hasn't made a final decision about his playing future, after all.

Insider Matthew Berry of NBC Sports Edge reports that he was told during this year's NFL combine that Stafford "could barely throw last year." That source also told Berry that "retirement is still not out of the question" for the 35-year-old. 

After Stafford guided the Rams to a Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in February 2022, he and Los Angeles agreed to a four-year extension reportedly worth $160 million with $135 million guaranteed. However, Kevin Patra of the NFL's website and others noted during the summer that Stafford required an anti-inflammatory shot for his elbow during the offseason. The Rams were hoping to manage the elbow issue through the start of the campaign, but that plan went awry. 

Specifically, Stafford largely looked like a shell of his former self by Week 4. Things went from bad to worse when Stafford was evaluated for concussions on multiple occasions in November and then diagnosed with a spinal cord contusion that prematurely ended his season. 

While whispers suggested that Stafford could retire due to injury concerns after earning a ton of money and a Super Bowl ring, he announced before Christmas that he wasn't riding off into the sunset yet.

Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed in January he's returning for the 2023 season, but McVay may not be able to do much with the roster next season. As ESPN's Sarah Barshop recently pointed out, the Rams have already parted ways with linebacker Bobby Wagner and are likely looking to move on from cornerback Jalen Ramsey, wide receiver Allen Robinson and linebacker Leonard Floyd, among others. Trading future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald may even be on the table for Los Angeles. 

All things considered, Stafford could determine he doesn't want to be part of any rebuild. Per ESPN stats, he finished this past regular season ranked 22nd among qualified players with a 50.3 adjusted QBR. In nine games, he recorded 10 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.