Quarterback Matthew Stafford has been a great asset on the field for the Los Angeles Rams. He joined the team in 2021 on a four-year, $160 million contract and has led them to the postseason on three occasions.
During the 2024 season, Stafford once again had a great campaign. He helped the Rams emerge as the NFC West champions and make it to the divisional round of the playoffs. However, there’s a possibility that the Rams and Stafford part ways this offseason.
Matthew Stafford’s Market Value Tested by the Rams
According to reports, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback is expecting a significant raise in his contract. However, the Los Angeles Rams are still hesitant to splash out a large sum of money to secure Stafford for a few more years.
According to a recent X post from NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Rams are allowing Stafford’s agent to speak with other teams and gauge his value. They are not looking to trade the quarterback, but instead, use this knowledge to ideally put together a realistic contract proposal.
Per Rapoport:
“Echoing reporting from @TomPelissero: The #Rams have given permission for Matthew Stafford’s agent to speak with other teams about his value. This is not a trade request. Instead, the Rams and Stafford can gain a better understanding of his value outside the team, potentially making it easier to get a contract done. That remains the hope, that outside help can assist in gauging the market and seeing his value — and that this results in his return to LA.”
During the 2024 season, Matthew Stafford recorded 3,762 yards and 20 TDs passing in the regular season.
Rams Head Coach Sean McVay Wants Matthew Stafford To Continue Being the Team’s QB1
Amidst the air of uncertainty surrounding Stafford’s future with the Rams, head coach Sean McVay is not ready to move on from the Super Bowl LVI winner. He recently made an appearance on the ‘Fitz & Whit’ podcast, where he addressed the quarterback’s situation in Los Angeles.
“When you talking about the elephant in the room, these are the things that are really challenging,” McVay said. “Because there’s no discrepancy on us wanting him to continue to lead the way and be our quarterback.
“The interesting and the challenging dilemma and dynamics within this are, ‘Hey how do you continuously as a head coach look at the short term and the long term and be able to figure out what does that really look like?’ There’s no dispute, and let’s not get it twisted in regards to anybody wanting him to be our quarterback.
“At the end of the day, we had something in mind. He had something in mind and nobody was right or wrong. And then, ultimately you’re saying that there’s a ton of interest because this guy is an incredible player.
“These decisions aren’t made in a vacuum and that’s kind of the challenging part about it. But love this guy and he’s been incredible for us.”
“Our first goal in mind is to have [him] come back here as our quarterback”
McVay addresses the Matthew Stafford situation in LA pic.twitter.com/UROh0DEpG1
— Fitz & Whit (@fitzandwhit) February 25, 2025
Simply put, the Rams do not wish to part ways with Stafford. However, they are also unwilling to pay him what he wants, which is the conundrum. It will be interesting to see if the team gives him a raise or opts to focus on acquiring a new starting quarterback for next season.