Matthew Stafford Ranked as a Top-5 Quarterback in the NFL

Former Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't seem like he's slowing down anytime soon.
Matthew Stafford Ranked as a Top-5 Quarterback in the NFL
Matthew Stafford Ranked as a Top-5 Quarterback in the NFL /
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Matthew Stafford's career renaissance has been something to behold. The 36-year-old quarterback just wrapped up his 15th professional season; by all metrics, it was one of his best. 

The former Georgia quarterback played in 16 games for the Los Angeles Rams, completing 63.0 percent of his passes for 4,332 yards while turning the ball over just 11 times. His play helped lead the Rams back to the playoffs for the first time since Stafford helped lead them to a win in Super Bowl LVI in 2021. Stafford's performance in 2023 has thrust him back among the elite in the sport according to NFL.com.

Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during warmups before the NFC wild-card game at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan, 14, 2024.
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford during warmups before the NFC wild-card game at Ford Field on Sunday, Jan, 14, 2024 :: © Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

In their NFL QB Index, the site has Stafford ranked as the fifth-best quarterback in the league, trailing just NFL MVP Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes, and Jared Goff, who replaced Stafford in Detroit. It's Stafford's highest ranking in the past decade, tying his final ranking from the 2021 season.

After years of putting it all on the line for Detroit, it's been fun to see Stafford sling the rock around in LA surrounded by a team and coaching staff that seem to accentuate his talents instead of relying on them. Head coach Sean McVay, who is just a couple of years older than his quarterback, and Stafford have a wonderful working relationship and it shows with their chemistry on the field. 

Stafford also got to break in a new weapon this season. Standout rookie wide receiver Puka Nacua set the records for both receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486) by a rookie. Being paired up with a quarterback like Matthew Stafford certainly helped. 

Stafford is signed through 2026 and is scheduled to make a base salary of $31,000,000 in 2024.

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Christian Goeckel
CHRISTIAN GOECKEL

Christian Goeckel is a Staff Writer for Dawgs Daily on SI.com. Christian has covered College Football for nearly a decade, writing for multiple sites and hosting radio shows across Southern Georgia and South Carolina.