The Los Angeles Rams emerged from the 2024 NFL Draft without spending a pick on a quarterback, coming after months of rumors that the club was looking for Matthew Stafford’s successor. However, contract turmoil between the two sides has made NFL news recently.
Stafford, coming off an MVP-caliber season with a resurgent Rams offense, made it known a day after the first round of the NFL Draft that he wanted a reworked contract. As reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback sought a new deal that offered him long-term security and more guaranteed money.
- Matthew Stafford contract: $49.5 million cap hit, $31 million salary in 2024
With NFL revenue skyrocketing and contracts for the highest-paid NFL players following suit, Stafford already had a strong case to receive more guaranteed money from Los Angeles. Then, as he trained for the 2024 season, reports surfaced that the Rams were heavily interested in the 2024 quarterback class.
While the Rams didn’t ultimately select a quarterback, they are just a year removed from using a fourth-round pick on Stetson Bennett. Amid growing questions regarding Stafford’s future in Los Angeles, head coach Sean McVay addressed the matter when asked by Adam Schein of Sirius XM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio.
“We were taking it a year at a time, but as long as he wants to play, we’re fortunate to have him as our quarterback.”
Sean McVay on Matthew Stafford’s future with the Los Angeles Rams (H/T NBC Sports)
On the one hand, the Rams do have a case for the year-to-year approach. Similar to the Green Bay Packers’ situation with Aaron Rodgers a few years ago, there is uncertainty regarding how much longer Stafford wants to play. However, the 36-year-old quarterback has earned some added guarantees on his contract thanks to his play.
- Matthew Stafford stats (2023): 92.5 QB rating, 3,965 passing yards, 24-11 TD-INT, 62.6% completion rate, 7.6 yards per attempt, 9-6 record
While Stafford is technically under contract through the 2026 season, he is only owed $31 million guaranteed moving forward. The Rams could theoretically move on from him following the 2024 season, designating him as a post-June 1 release to create $22 million in cap savings.
All Stafford seems to be looking for his more of a commitment from the Rams’ organization, giving him more guaranteed salary in 2025 and signing a deal that signals he is the team’s face of the franchise for at least the next two seasons. Considering McVay’s statement and how important Stafford is both to the offense and the club, it would be a surprise if the two sides don’t agree to a renegotiated deal this year.
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