It is well documented that Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford turned down roughly $20 million to stay in LA. A trade would have had to occur, but reportedly, the Giants and Raiders offered Stafford $20 million more than the Rams.
Luckily, pen has finally hit paper, at least for the 2025 season, so we can move past all the contract and trade rumors and just talk about football.
In doing so, Fox Sports host Colin Cowherd made a pretty endearing statement about Matthew Stafford and where he could end up in the NFL annals.
Colin Cowherd Compares Matthew Stafford With Aaron Rodgers
During an episode of “The Herd w/ Colin Cowherd,” Cowherd speaks on Matthew Stafford’s legacy and where he could end up if he were to reach and win another Super Bowl.
“I’ve always had this theory, that if Matt Stafford gets to another Super Bowl and wins, and I do think there are about six teams that can do it, and the Rams are one of them, I think Stafford will be viewed, historically, better than Aaron Rodgers.”
Who will end up with the better #NFL career: Aaron Rodgers or Matthew Stafford?@ColinCowherd discusses how Stafford staying with the LA Rams can help further cement his legacy. pic.twitter.com/AKFbG14hRI
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) May 7, 2025
This might not be a blazing hot take, but on the surface, most people you talk to would put Aaron Rodgers above Stafford when it comes to ranking all-time quarterbacks.
Cowherd continues.
“So if you look at Aaron against [Matt] Stafford, since the 2021 playoffs, just go look at the numbers here. Matt has become a much better playoff quarterback. They both have a Super Bowl. Matt was better in High School, College, and his first 4 years in the NFL, and he’s been better the last 4 years.”
Here are the numbers that he is referring to.
| Aaron Rodgers | Since 2021 Playoffs | Matthew Stafford |
|---|---|---|
| 14-22 | W-L | 27-20 |
| 63.8 | Comp Pct. | 65.5 |
| 217.1 | Pass YPG | 253.2 |
| 54-23 | TD-INT | 69-30 |
| 90.7 | Passer Rtg | 94.5 |
Let’s dive into this a bit.
I don’t think there is any argument that Matthew Stafford is the better quarterback right now. He has certainly had a better last 4 years, and he and the Rams are true Super Bowl contenders.
Now we love Matthew Stafford on this Network, and I personally believe that he will be a sure-fire Hall-of-Famer, regardless of whether he gets another Super Bowl or not. But if we are purely going off of numbers and accolades, then Cowherd is projecting a little recency bias here.
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Let’s not forget that Rodgers is 4 years older than Stafford. When Rodgers was 38, which Stafford will turn this year, he won his 4th MVP award.
Here are the numbers, and you can judge for yourself.
| Aaron Rodgers | Category | Matthew Stafford |
|---|---|---|
| 62,952 | Passing YDs | 59,809 |
| 503-116 | TD-INT | 377-188 |
| 1 | Super Bowl | 1 |
| 10 | Pro Bowls | 2 |
| 4 | All-Pros | 0 |
| 4 | MVPs | 0 |
Stafford will continue to build his legacy, and his numbers will continue to grow. But the touchdown discrepancy, along with the All-Pro and MVP nods, is pretty staggering.
Is Matthew Stafford the better quarterback right now? No question. All-time? I don’t think we can make that argument yet. Another Super Bowl will certainly help.