Turf Show Times
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...
