Matthew Stafford is an early-season candidate for Most Valuable Player, but there is a significant matter he and the Los Angeles Rams must address sooner or later.
After an offseason of uncertainty around the two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl champion, Stafford, 37, is putting together one of his best seasons in the NFL, and the Rams have gotten out to a 5-2 start.
The decisions that led to this point set the stage for the next potential hurdle, though.
Matthew Stafford’s Contract Looms Large for Rams
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on before a game against the Indianapolis Colts.
The Rams allowed Stafford’s camp to gauge the QB’s value as he sought a new deal this past offseason. In the end, Stafford and the Rams agreed on a revised two-year, $84 million contract. His $40 million cap hit in 2026 locks in on the fifth day of the new league year.
Despite being signed through the 2026 season, Stafford and the Rams could benefit from revisiting the situation this offseason.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler says we “can’t forget about” Stafford among the potential new deals.
“The Rams and Stafford seem to be doing this yearly dance in which they consider alternatives before returning to each other,” Fowler wrote on October 22. “The situation could reach a boiling point again this offseason if Stafford continues to play lights out. His deal probably needs to be addressed in some form but both parties have played this perfectly, creating a sometimes uneasy but ultimately flourishing relationship.”
Fowler noted that Stafford did not want to leave the Rams this past offseason. The QB turned down more money from other teams in agreeing to his return. That could prove informative for head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead next time around.
Both sides have plenty to ponder in the meantime.
Matthew Stafford’s Comments Loom Large Alongside $40 Decision
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead recalls a story while in his office.
“[Stafford] really wanted to stay in Southern California,” Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer wrote on May 6. “His new deal gives him a nice bump over what he was making, for sure, and is the sort of contract adjustment teams only give to players they value at the highest level.
“That said, the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders were willing to go a lot further, into the area where the average on a new contract would start with a five.”
Stafford also spoke candidly about wanting to continue his career in LA before the decision.
“I’m lucky to play an important position in our game, right? Probably one of the more important positions on the field,” Stafford said. “It’s a valued position in our league. And so anytime there’s even perceived availability, it’s going to draw attention. But yeah, it’s humbling,” Stafford said on “The Morning After” podcast in March.
“It can sometimes feel like such a negative. It’s a tough thing. You’re going through all these things. But at the same time, was talking to somebody, and they kind of gave me the perspective of like, ‘Man, this is such a positive time in your life,’ right? ‘You’re 37 years old, going into your 17th NFL season, and somebody still wants you to be on their team.’ And that’s a rare occurrence and something I don’t take for granted, I don’t take lightly.”
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