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Matthew Stafford On Hand For Los Angeles Rams OTAs Despite Contract Issues

Originally posted on LAFB Network | By Vincent Frank | Last updated 5/20/24

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford wants more guaranteed money on his contract. This has been noted multiple times throughout the offseason.

The record-setting contract extension former Rams quarterback Jared Goff inked with the Detroit Lions earlier in May added another layer to that.

Goff inked a four-year, $212 million contract extension back on May 13. It has him as the second highest-paid player in the NFL behind Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.

As the quarterback market continues to evolve, it stands to reason that Stafford would want to be taken care of. He’s playing under a four-year, $160 million contract that runs through the 2026 season. That $40 million average salary is 12th among quarterbacks, right there with Daniel Jones of the New York Giants.

Talk about being underpaid. Despite all of this, Stafford decided to join the Rams for the start of their OTAs on Monday.

Matthew Stafford On Hand For Start Of Los Angeles Rams OTAs

The Rams posted on social media that their QB1 was on the field during practice on Monday.

Cue the QBs. pic.twitter.com/rahM3D99dQ
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) May 20, 2024

This is no small thing given the contract stalemate between the Super Bowl-winning quarterback and his team. Stafford could have very well made the decision to sit this week out in an attempt to force the Rams’ hands. Apparently, that’s not the case.

Matthew Stafford stats (2023): 3,965 passing yards, 92.5 QB rating, 62.6% completion rate, 24-11 TD-INT, 7.6 yards per attempt

Any new deal for Stafford would likely start at $50 million annually. Pure conjecture, but three years at $150 million with $100 million in guarantees would likely be the starting point.

It’s now all about Stafford and the Rams coming together on a new deal ahead of training camp. If that doesn’t happen, he might change his stance and hold out. No one wants to see that happen.

This article first appeared on LAFB Network and was syndicated with permission.

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