Following the primary round of the draft, it was learned Matthew Stafford is looking for 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 aren’t guaranteed. He can be set to hold 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 a couple of recent arrangement. His recent stance on the matter suggests a willingness on the a part of the team to make a post-2024 commitment.
“We were taking it a yr at a time, but so long as he desires to play, we’re fortunate to have him as our quarterback,” McVay said during an appearance on Mad Dog Sports Radio (audio link).
Stafford has faced retirement questions previously, but he delivered a powerful performance in 2023. The previous No. 1 pick made 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’ll face considerable expectations for the foreseeable future.
Los Angeles signed Jimmy Garoppolo to function an experienced backup, but a renewed investment in Stafford would keep him atop the depth chart past the approaching season. Injuries or retirement could change the latter’s situation in a rush, after all, but a mutual interest between team and player to stay 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 on the onset of their offseason program. The 2023 fourth-rounder spent his rookie season on the reserve/NFI list, however the team indicated in March he was expected to be back with the team in time for spring workouts. Bennett will aim to lock down the QB3 role this offseason before potentially taking on the backup spot next yr. It would be interesting to see if Stafford has a brand new contract in place by that time.
