Much of this offseason’s Rams-Matthew Stafford negotiations appeared to stem from the quarterback wanting more security beyond 2024. The resolution brought a different result, calling the talented passer’s Los Angeles future into question.
The team moved $5MM from future years into 2024, benefiting the 16th-year veteran now rather than later. Although Stafford saw a $4MM 2025 roster bonus become part of his $40MM guarantee package on this revision, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes the Rams are still viewing this partnership through a year-to-year lens. The former Lions mainstay’s contract — a four-year, $160MM deal agreed to following Super Bowl LVI — still runs through 2026.
After a concerning 2022 packed with multiple injuries, Stafford rebounded to lift what had been viewed as a retooling Rams team back into the playoffs. The team returns Stafford’s receiving corps from last season, which is poised to include a healthy Cooper Kupp, and did not let its QB’s contract matter drag into training camp like a few other NFC situations. As of now, the Rams believe Stafford is still playing at a high level and want him back beyond 2024, Fowler adds. But injuries have become a regular issue for the cannon-armed QB, making retirement a subject that will be monitored from the team’s side.
Stafford, 36, has deflected retirement rumors in the past and has seen QBs play well into their late 30s and, in some cases, past 40. Sean McVay also said the Rams are content with Stafford as long as he wants to play. This might not be a matter the Rams need to worry about just yet. After all, ex-McVay staffers in Atlanta are preparing to coach a soon-to-be 36-year-old Kirk Cousins — who just received a $100MM practical guarantee — coming off Achilles surgery. But Stafford is obviously on the back nine of his career.
Only that $4MM roster bonus is guaranteed beyond 2024, but the Rams would face a $49.33MM dead money bill if Stafford retired after this season. His 2025 cap number is scheduled to be $49.67MM. That would set an NFL record, but we are close to seeing the bar move here. Deshaun Watson is on the cusp of playing on a $63.77MM cap number, while Dak Prescott — absent an extension — is at $55.13MM. Daniel Jones and Kyler Murray join Stafford in being set to play on $45MM-plus cap figures this season.
While Jared Goff has rebounded in Detroit, Stafford played the lead role in pushing Los Angeles’ 2021 effort to the mountaintop. He also received, believe it or not, his first original-ballot Pro Bowl invite last season, ranking sixth in QBR as well. The Rams should remain in good hands as long as their starter is healthy, though Fowler adds the Jimmy Garoppolo addition generated some attention — despite the former 49ers starter’s rough Raiders year — this offseason.
Taking over for Carson Wentz as the latest McVay QB2 reboot candidate, Garoppolo will have a chance to stabilize his career in L.A. Baker Mayfield‘s L.A. stint did not generate a strong free agent market, but it provided some momentum after a disastrous Panthers campaign. Garoppolo’s contract expires in March, though the 32-year-old passer becoming an immediate fit with McVay would naturally attract mutual interest in a reunion. This could depend on Stafford’s plans, as Garoppolo should still stand to have some options in 2025.
Eventually, the Rams will need a true heir apparent. For now, they are fine with Stafford. They spent big on guards (Kevin Dotson, Jonah Jackson) to help protect their centerpiece player. This situation will still be one to monitor, especially if another Stafford injury leads to Garoppolo playing time.
Seems fair at first based on age, but what’s the urgency? Who are they spending their money on? The Rams went out of their way to acquire him, gave him a massive extension voluntarily after the win, and have been trying to dump him ever since. Stafford is still their best player on offense, and is still well regarded as a quarterback. The Rams’ strategy here seems extremely ungrateful and I doubt that it motivates anything positive in Stafford…who, again, is still an important piece to them as a veteran leader, who can still play, on a young offense.
The Rams went 10-7 last year. They are closer to being good than being bad. I know people love Snead, for some reason, but you have to think that the team could have made better long term decisions and improved instead of trying to make big moves every year (like their attempted Burns trade last year, or their attempted move up in the first this past draft).
I don’t think the Rams are being ungrateful or disrespectful at all. We all know Matty is an old school warrior and one of the rare QBs that could never be labelled a “diva”. He gives %100 effort every game. The Rams are simply facing the reality that Stafford is in the twilight of his career. Matt isn’t mobile so one solid hit and his season or career could be over.
If that’s the case, they shouldn’t have extended him immediately. My “ungrateful” evaluation is based on how many times they’ve tried to get rid of that contract since handing it to him. This attitude they have towards Stafford hasn’t exactly given the impression that they respect him-at least front the front office’s perspective.
I could be wrong but I thought Matty had a no trade clause in his contract at the time of the trade. I doubt the Rams could have got him to waive that had they not assured him an extension would be imminent.
Yes-why give him that, and that big contract, if they are going to try to get of him or get him to accept a pay cut? Stafford is still playing well, and the Rams have dumped most of their salary by now. They just don’t want to pay him, which doesn’t come across as particularly appreciative. After all, it was their decision to trade for Stafford and then offer that deal, not his. The injuries also aren’t new-he’s had that since his Detroit days. It’s not like this was some sudden revelation. It makes it look like they got their use out of him and now want to be rid of him.
The injuries, big hits, and the years are starting to add up for Stafford. The next big injury is probably his last. Hope he manages to survive his playing days without the Alex Smith/Joe Theismann ending…