For Matthew Stafford, age is just a number. Even at 37 years old, Stafford is still widely viewed by NFL executives, coaches and scouts as one of the elite quarterbacks.
ESPN released its annual quarterback rankings on Monday, with the Los Angeles Rams star landing at No. 6.
âThereâs a reason Stafford garnered significant trade interest when the Rams entertained moving him this offseason,â ESPNâs Jeremy Fowler wrote. âOnly a few quarterbacks command the position like he does.
âPlayers come and go in Los Angeles, but Stafford makes it all work, a truly scheme-transcendent quarterback.â
Kansas Cityâs Patrick Mahomes, a two-time NFL MVP, was ranked No. 1 for the third consecutive season. Buffaloâs Josh Allen and Cincinnatiâs Joe Burrow came in at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively.
Stafford was ranked No. 5 last season.
NFL Coordinator Praises Matthew Stafford’s Toughness
An unnamed coordinator lauded Staffordâs fearlessness, calling him âtough as s—.â
âElite poise and toughness in the pocket,â the coordinator said. âThe ability to throw with timing and location while heâs about to get hit in the chin is among the best.â
In 16 regular-season games last season, Stafford completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He then carried his strong play into the playoffs, throwing for 533 yards and four touchdowns in two games.
In the NFC Divisional Round, the Rams gave the Philadelphia Eagles a scare before falling 28-22.
Despite losing their top two receivers in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to injury at different points, the Rams finished the season ranked 15th in total offense, averaging 331.4 yards per game.
Matthew Stafford Oldest Quarterback in Top 10
Stafford was particularly dangerous on play action last season, producing the NFLâs third-highest QBR (81.5) to go with 10 touchdowns and no interceptions.
The coordinator said Stafford’s ability to improvise helps set him apart.
“A big factor for quarterbacks is what they can do on third-and-1â Matt scares you more than almost anybody in that situation,” he noted. “And he can make plays off-schedule.”
After weeks of trade rumors, the two-time Pro Bowler agreed on a restructured deal in February to remain with Los Angeles. He can make $84 million over the next two seasons, beginning with $44 million in 2026.
Stafford, who needs just 191 more yards to become the 10th NFL quarterback to throw for 60,000 yards, was the oldest quarterback on ESPNâs list. Detroitâs Jared Goff (No. 8) and Tampa Bayâs Baker Mayfield (No. 10) were the only two other quarterbacks in their 30s.
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