Matthew Stafford makes big admission about what could be short-lived Rams return

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay raised eyebrows when, shortly after the club agreed to keep quarterback Matthew Stafford with the organization, he acknowledged that the Rams and Stafford could have similar contract-related discussions next offseason. 

Stafford confirmed that during an appearance on the latest edition of the "New Heights" podcast. 

"[It was] a little bit tough on your family just because you don't know really know what's gonna be next," Stafford said about negotiations with the Rams this winter, TalkSport's Oliver Browning and Cameron DaSilva of USA Today/Rams Wire shared. "I think in the end I wanted to be back. We just had to kinda figure that out and get to that point. We did [and] I'm sure as hell happy I'm gonna be here for at least another year and hopefully some after that."

Before the Rams announced on Feb. 28 that Stafford was staying put, numerous stories linked him with the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders. Per at least one report, the 37-year-old could've earned roughly "$15M more per year" had he orchestrated a trade to the Giants or Raiders. 

"That was a little nerve-wracking there, for a little bit," Stafford told Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and current ESPN personality Jason Kelce during the podcast. "Just trying to figure out what was going to go down, but happy to be back wearing Rams colors in SoFi Stadium."

According to Spotrac, Stafford has thus far earned over $360M from just his career NFL contracts. Thus, he could afford to take a discount to stay with what's been his football home since March 2021. 

"I think it was kind of a joint process," Stafford added about remaining with the Rams. "I wasn't a free agent. I still had two years left on my deal..."

Clearly, the Rams don't want to make any noteworthy long-term financial commitment to a quarterback who is pushing 40. As much as Stafford seemingly hopes to stay with the Rams through the end of his playing days, he may have to go elsewhere in March 2026 if he ultimately decides he has more than one season left in the tank.