Los Angeles Rams 2025 NFL offseason preview: Some big questions (Cooper Kupp, Matthew Stafford?) after a division title

The Los Angeles Rams are entering the 2025 NFL offseason after a remarkable run that saw them reclaim the NFC West division title. Coming off a 2024 season where they showed resilience and competitive grit, the Rams find themselves in a favorable position, but there are several critical questions that need to be addressed heading into the offseason. These questions center around key players, salary cap issues, roster moves, and how they can continue to build on their division-winning performance.

At the forefront of these questions are the futures of two of the franchise’s biggest stars—wide receiver Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford. Both players have been instrumental in the Rams’ success over the years, but the landscape of the team is changing. The 2025 offseason presents the team with a unique challenge: balancing its immediate competitive window with long-term sustainability.

This offseason preview will break down the biggest questions surrounding the Los Angeles Rams, specifically focusing on Kupp and Stafford, as well as other key areas that will require attention as the Rams look to contend for another title in 2025.

The Future of Cooper Kupp: Is He Still Part of the Rams’ Long-Term Plan?

Cooper Kupp has been one of the NFL’s elite wide receivers for several seasons now, and his connection with Matthew Stafford has been a driving force behind the Rams’ offensive success. Kupp’s ability to run routes, catch passes, and make plays in critical moments has earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, and he remains the focal point of the Rams’ passing attack. However, entering the 2025 offseason, the question arises: how much longer can the Rams rely on Kupp as their top weapon?

Injury Concerns

Kupp’s production has been impressive over the years, but injuries have started to crop up in recent seasons. After a significant injury that sidelined him for much of the 2023 season, Kupp bounced back in 2024 but showed some signs of wear and tear. The Rams will need to evaluate his long-term durability, especially given his age and the mileage accumulated on his body. If Kupp’s injuries become a more consistent issue, the Rams may need to explore options for moving forward, especially given that the wide receiver position is so critical to the success of the offense.

The 2025 offseason will see the Rams decide whether to restructure Kupp’s contract, sign him to an extension, or even consider trading him for future assets. The latter seems unlikely, given Kupp’s importance to the team, but his injury history will likely play a significant role in any decisions made.

Salary Cap Impact

The Rams have long been known for their aggressive approach to free agency, often taking on high-profile contracts in the hopes of winning now. Kupp’s contract, which still has a few years left, carries significant cap implications. If the Rams intend to continue making big moves in free agency and building around Stafford, Kupp’s deal could become a financial obstacle. The team might look to restructure Kupp’s contract, extend him to create cap space, or explore other avenues to remain competitive without overburdening their salary cap.

What’s Next for Kupp?

Cooper Kupp is unquestionably one of the best in the game, but if the Rams feel his long-term health is a liability, they may start looking for his eventual replacement or a complementary piece. The 2025 draft will be an important one for the Rams in terms of finding a potential successor for Kupp, even if they do not trade him. Kupp’s role as a leader in the locker room and his connection with Stafford should not be overlooked, but the future of his contract will likely be one of the biggest questions for the Rams’ front office this offseason.

Matthew Stafford: Is 2025 the Final Year for the Rams’ Quarterback?

Matthew Stafford has been the catalyst for the Rams’ offensive success since joining the team, culminating in a Super Bowl victory during the 2021 season. His arm strength, leadership, and ability to perform in clutch situations have been vital to the team’s identity. However, as Stafford enters the latter stages of his career, questions loom about his future with the Rams.

Age and Durability

Stafford is no spring chicken, and as he enters his mid-30s, the durability concerns that all older quarterbacks face become more significant. Although Stafford was able to stay relatively healthy throughout the 2024 season, age catches up with every player. The Rams’ brass will have to assess whether Stafford can continue to perform at a high level and whether they should begin to prepare for a successor.

The question of whether Stafford can win another Super Bowl or at least remain competitive through the 2025 season will also play a key role in the decision-making process. If Stafford shows signs of regression or fails to stay healthy, the Rams may begin to explore options for drafting a quarterback or pursuing a future franchise player at the position.

Stafford’s Contract

Matthew Stafford’s current contract is a massive financial commitment, and the Rams may need to make tough decisions regarding his future. While he is undoubtedly one of the league’s top quarterbacks, his deal could become an obstacle as the Rams continue to build a championship-caliber roster around him. Should the Rams restructure Stafford’s deal, trade him, or draft a quarterback to eventually replace him? These are all critical questions the Rams must answer in 2025, as Stafford’s cap hit will factor into the team’s ability to strengthen other positions.

Who Will Be Stafford’s Successor?

If the Rams move on from Stafford after 2025, they’ll need to find a quarterback who can step in and continue the team’s success. The 2025 draft class features a talented crop of quarterbacks, and the Rams could potentially trade up or use their pick to find a long-term solution. However, this would require careful consideration of the team’s roster, cap situation, and Stafford’s performance in 2025.

The Rams’ Offensive Line and Running Back Position

While much of the focus has been on the Rams’ stars like Stafford and Kupp, the team’s offensive line and running back position also require attention in the 2025 offseason. The Rams’ offensive line has struggled at times, and while they’ve made moves to improve the unit, it remains a question mark for 2025. The team will need to either draft or sign free agents to strengthen the line and give Stafford and Kupp the protection they need.

At running back, the Rams have a solid group, but they are still searching for a true workhorse. Cam Akers showed flashes of potential in 2024, but the team’s inability to establish a consistent running game has been a major issue. The Rams may look to add a dynamic running back through free agency or the draft to give their offense another dimension and take some pressure off Stafford’s arm.

Defense and Special Teams: Maintaining Strengths

The Rams’ defense, which has been a hallmark of their success in recent years, will need to maintain its level of play heading into 2025. The defensive front, led by Aaron Donald, remains one of the most imposing in the league. However, the Rams will need to address depth issues in the secondary and at linebacker. Free agency and the draft will be key in addressing these needs, as the Rams cannot afford to regress on defense if they want to continue contending for championships.

Special teams also requires attention, as the Rams need to ensure their kicker and return game are in good shape for 2025. Special teams can often be a deciding factor in tight games, and the Rams will need to keep that unit functioning at a high level.