The Los Angeles Rams always wanted Matthew Stafford back in the fold for a fifth season. However, Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed that Super Bowl champion Aaron Rodgers was a contingency plan.
McVay offered the revelation during a conversation with NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt.
Stafford was the team’s “priority.” But Rodgers, who was released after two seasons with the New York Jets, would have made for a fitting replacement had Stafford found greener pastures.
“Our first priority, which was consistently communicated, was, ‘Hey, let’s work something out with Matthew,’ and we were very fortunate that it worked out that way. If that wasn’t able to occur, then that [Rodgers] was definitely conversations and a possibility for us,” McVay told Brandt on “Good Morning Football” on June 11. “I have a ton of respect for the body of work, and I’ve gotten to know Aaron, and really enjoy the conversations and just the approach, the way that he thinks about the game and in life. And so, that was a possibility.”
Notably, the Steelers also had eyes for Stafford.
Rodgers signed a one-year, $14.1 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers after a drawn-out stay in free agency. Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer revealed that he heard Rodgers would have played for the Rams for $10 million.
“As in, an example of how badly he wanted to go there,” Breer posted on X on June 10.
“I know that there’s a lot of people in Pittsburgh that are really excited that that’s finally come to fruition,” McVay said, again noting Stafford as the Rams’ primary target. “I’m a big fan of his.”
Notably, if Stafford and Rodgers finish out their current contracts but fail to sign new ones after, the Rams QB will overtake his Steelers counterpart for the most career earnings in NFL history, per Over The Cap.
Sean McVay Closer With Matthew Stafford
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay talks to quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 during Organized Team Activities.
The Rams emerged in links to Rodgers in February amid the uncertainty around Stafford’s future. Speculation only grew from there. However, McVay is clear where his and the Rams’ allegiance lies.
“Our first priority was always to be able to get Matthew back. And what I do feel really fortunate about … is I think that we’re closer than ever,” McVay said. “I think sometimes when you’re able to have real conversations, I think you can appreciate the love that’s been built up, but also the ability to be honest with one another.
“I’m really glad that worked out.”
Fittingly, Rams general manager Les Snead offered a similar explanation when discussing reworking Stafford’s contract.
“It was a very impactful result, for sure,” Snead told reporters in March. “I always have called it a renewal of vows. And during the whole process, what made it impactful is these partnerships between quarterback and NFL franchise, it even has a nickname, right? ‘Franchise QB.’”
The Rams converted Stafford’s four-year, $160 million deal into a two-year, $84 million pact
“The neat thing is once we sat down, it was very obvious that we all wanted to continue the partnership and continue facing some form of greatness together,” Snead said.
Former Rams QB Battling for Championship
GettyBryce Perkins #16 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stafford’s former backup, Bryce Perkins, has found his stride. Perkins has led the Michigan Panthers of the United Football League to the championship game against the DC Defenders.
Moreover, Perkins earned UFL Offensive Player of the Year honors this season.
“The Queen Creek, Arizona native finished the regular season fourth in the league in passing yards (1,342), tied for second in passing touchdowns (9), second in completion percentage (.690) and second in efficiency rating (69.0),” Fox 2’s David Komer wrote on June 11. In addition, he was tied for first in the league in rushing touchdowns (5) among quarterbacks.”
Perkins was an undrafted free agent in 2020 and has strong NFL bloodlines. Perkins, whom Komer called a “star,” last played for McVay and the Rams in the regular season and the NFL in 2022. He started five games for the Rams that season as Stafford dealt with injuries.
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