QB Matthew Stafford's reworked contract seems like a win for Rams

Stafford — who signed a four-year, $160M deal in 2022 — participated in OTAs and mandatory minicamp. However, in March, he told the Rams he wanted a contract adjustment, via ESPN's Sarah Barshop. She added that the 36-year-old only had $15M in guaranteed salary after this upcoming season.   

McVay didn't offer specifics on the contract, but he noted it's not an extension, and both parties are satisfied.   

"Ultimately, it was geared towards finding a solution that really suits our team, but also accommodates some of the things that represent Matthew's worth for us," McVay said. "And we feel like we were able to do that."   

It's clear why McVay feels this is a win. Although he's approaching the tail end of his career, Stafford is still one of the premier QBs in the NFL. In 15 games last season, he threw for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdowns, finishing eighth in MVP voting.   

The main concern at this point in Stafford's career is whether he can stay healthy. In 2022, he spent time in the concussion protocol and suffered a spinal cord contusion, missing eight games.  

The Rams' backup QB situation makes Stafford's durability a bigger issue. Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games of the season after violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy. Stetson Bennett, meanwhile, spent his rookie season on the non-football injury list.   

Still, if the one-time Super Bowl champion stays healthy, he should help L.A. make the playoffs again in 2024.