Sean McVay addresses Matthew Stafford’s future with Rams
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Following the first round of the draft, it was learned Matthew Stafford is seeking a revised Rams contract. Specifically, the Super Bowl-winning passer is aiming to receive guarantees beyond the 2024 campaign.
Stafford is currently on the books through 2026, but his base salaries after 2024 are not guaranteed. He is also set to carry sizable cap hits over the remaining term on his deal, and an extension could lower those figures.
Rams head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team has been in discussion with the 36-year-old about a new arrangement. His recent stance on the matter suggests a willingness on the part of the team to make a post-2024 commitment.
“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,” McVay said during an appearance on Mad Dog Sports Radio.
Stafford has faced retirement questions in the past, but he delivered a strong performance in 2023. The former No. 1 pick posted 3,965 yards and a 24:11 touchdown-to-interception ratio, earning him a Pro Bowl nod. Stafford helped guide the Rams to a surprising playoff appearance, and if healthy, he will face considerable expectations for the foreseeable future.
Los Angeles signed Jimmy Garoppolo to serve as an experienced backup, but a renewed investment in Stafford would keep him atop the depth chart past the coming season. Injuries or retirement could change the latter’s situation in a hurry, of course, but a mutual interest between team and player to remain together over a multi-year term could produce an agreement this offseason depending on how negotiations progress.
In other Rams QB news, McVay noted, via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop, that Stetson Bennett returned to the team at the onset of its offseason program. The 2023 fourth-rounder spent his rookie season on the reserve/NFI list, but the team indicated in March he was expected to be back in time for spring workouts.
Bennett will aim to lock down the QB3 role this offseason before potentially taking over the backup spot next year. It will be interesting to see if Stafford has a new contract in place by that point.
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