As expected, it seems that any chance of Stafford returning to LA hinges on an adjusted contract for the quarterback
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported Sunday night on “SportsCenter” that that the Rams have a “strong interest” in bringing Stafford back but that his deal is “untenable” under its current terms. The Los Angeles Rams QB’s contract has been the talk of the offseason thus far, and while it seems like LA would love to work something out, according to Fowler, his return will hinge on the two sides being able to find common ground on a contract that has been an issue since Stafford raised concerns last offseason about his lack of guaranteed money on the remaining years.
This all comes on the heels of reports by The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue indicating that the Los Angeles Rams met with Matthew Stafford’s representation before the Super Bowl to discuss adjusting the quarterback’s contract, however “not much has progressed after their opening conversations”. She did add that talks would hopefully “pick back up in the coming weeks”.
No team wants to lose a quarterback with the caliber of talent that Stafford brings, which is why it makes total sense for the Rams to have strong interest in retaining the veteran QB. If a deal cannot be worked out though, Fowler expects that Stafford would be a hot commodity among the rest of quarterback-needy teams in the league.
“He’s going to need a new deal and if for some reason they can’t work that out, there will be a strong trade market for Matthew Stafford,” Fowler said. “It will be robust.”
General Manager Les Snead has a history of handing out some large contracts to players that did not end up working out well long-term. Resigning RB Todd Gurley, QB Jared Goff and current backup offensive lineman Joe Noteboom are a few examples of this. Gurley and Goff were both moved just a year into high dollar, long term extensions causing major dead-cap hits. Noteboom was also being paid starter money for a non-starter role before restructuring his contract last offseason. The Rams may be trying to learn from their mistakes this time around, which could be making contract negotiations with Stafford more difficult.
According to Over The Cap, Stafford counts for $49.7 million against the salary in 2025. On top of Stafford’s large figure, Los Angeles will soon need to find a replacement for WR Cooper Kupp, who was told by the team that he would be traded this offseason if a deal can be made.
Kupp could be considered another flop deal for Snead, as the veteran wide receiver is due roughly $29 million this season and $27 million in 2026. Kupp will always have a special place in the hearts of Rams fans, however the receiver is making top-10 receiver money and has not had more than 812 yards in the three seasons since his extension after the 2021 season.
Along with the void left by Kupp, the team will also need to potentially resign a key position along the offensive line or find a replacement, as left tackle Alaric Jackson is due to be a free agent and is expected to net a deal somewhere in the range of $16 million per year. The Rams are projected to have about $38.3 million in cap space heading into the offseason.
It has been a relatively rocky offseason for the Rams just a few weeks in. For a team that was only 14 yards away from an appearance in the NFC championship game, things could look extremely different on offense heading into next year, with major questions about what quarterback, wide receiver, and left tackle could look like for 2025.
One other pillar that seems to slip through the cracks is veteran tight end Tyler Higbee, who is also entering the final year of his contract and is one of the longest tenured Rams on the roster. His leadership is pivotal to the team, but his stats may not justify his per-year earnings anymore. That said, it was clear when he returned to the field this past season after recovering from major knee surgery that the offense played significantly better with him back in the lineup.
It seems like currently the Rams have more questions than answers just a month out from the start of the new league year. Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay will need to find some answers soon. With so much young talent like WR Puka Nacua and OLB Jared Verse on cheap rookie deals, the Super Bowl window seems open now. Losing players like Kupp and Stafford without the same caliber replacements could change that outlook quickly though.
