Despite rumors the Rams may move on from Stafford, it certainly sounds like their head coach wants his QB back
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is taking time away to contemplate his future in the NFL, and while the team certainly wants to respect their veteran quarterback’s decision, head coach Sean McVay is hoping that they find clarity on the situation “sooner rather than later”.
Speaking about Stafford’s future, and last season’s contract dispute about guaranteed money that lingered all through out training camp, McVay said:
“We don’t want to have that go on again,” McVay said, via Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication. I think there’s a lot of love coming from our part. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario.”
While it’s possible that LA’s brass may want to know Stafford’s plans in an effort to move him in the offseason, based on McVay’s words, it certainly seems more-likely that the Rams head coach wants Stafford to run it back as the team’s quarterback for 2025. Rumors have swirled about Stafford being traded as far back as 2022, but they really picked up steam this season after Los Angeles started the season 1-4.
That said, the trade rumors between Stafford and the Rams have always been presented more by the national media rather than the team itself. McVay has never given any indication that moving off Stafford is something he wants to do, and furthermore, the coach and his team have gushed about their love for Stafford whenever opportunities to do so present themselves.
For Stafford’s part, when asked about his future after the Philadelphia Eagles divisional round loss, the soon-to-be 37-year-old QB said that he would “take some time to think about it” but that he “sure feels like” he has some good football left in him.
McVay and the team would like to know what Stafford is thinking soon, as it really puts the team’s plans at quarterback in limbo until a decision is made. Currently, the Rams do not know if they have a starting quarterback on the roster with Stafford figuring out his retirement plans, and their backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo set to become a free agent this offseason.
There are also no major top-tier quarterbacks available this year via free agency. Sure, Sam Darnold, along with aging-veteran players like Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson, could end up being available, but all of them seem like downgrades when compared to Stafford and what he brings to the Rams. Stafford is not only a locker room staple as a leader, but as someone who knows the offense inside and out.
While there are one or two quarterbacks viewed as potential starters in the upcoming NFL draft, most-likely without some blockbuster trade to get a top pick from someone, the Rams will be selecting a player too late in the first round to have a chance at either of those QBs. LA’s Super Bowl window seems to be open right now, and with so many star players like wide receiver Puka Nacua and edge rusher Jared Verse on their first contracts, bringing in a rookie QB who would need time to learn could set the team back during this crucial time of cheap contracts on valuable players.
The other issue is Stafford’s contract after his restructure last offseason. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Stafford “gave up his other 2025 guarantees” when the two sides restructured his deal last July, moving up money to 2024 in the form of a $12.5 million signing bonus and $23.5 million guaranteed salary.
Is it possible that Stafford is using retirement as a way to get a new contract done? While I don’t think that’s probably the case, it would be easy to understand if there was some truth that type of move considering what other QBs of his caliber are making per year.
Stafford is currently ranked the 16th highest paid quarterback heading into 2025 (based on total cash for the season). It puts him behind the likes of Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Geno Smith and Derek Carr. Many would agree that Stafford is in a higher tier of quarterback play than most, if not all, of the previously mentioned players. Top that with the fact he has almost no guaranteed money coming this season, and one can start to connect the dots a bit.
I’ve stated previously that if Stafford decides to continue his career, I believe the best move for both the team and for Stafford is a reunion in 2025. It sounds like McVay may be on that train as well, but if a potential contract dispute is imminent, that could make this saga drag out longer than the Rams head coach was initially hoping for.
