Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay no longer has to worry about his starting quarterback situation for the immediate future. Speaking to reporters, McVay emphasized that retaining Matthew Stafford was always the team’s priority.
The head coach expressed relief and excitement over the deal, noting that Stafford’s leadership is invaluable to the team. With the agreement finalized, McVay admitted he has been sleeping better, though the demands of reworking the roster and managing his personal life mean rest will still be limited.
Rams Take Flexible Approach with Stafford, Prioritizing Short-Term Stability and Financial Flexibility
The Rams announced on Friday that Stafford had agreed to a restructured contract that ensures his stay in Los Angeles through the 2025 season. However, McVay acknowledged that the agreement is essentially a short-term solution, suggesting a similar negotiation process may be necessary in 2026. While Stafford remains under contract for two more years, the Rams are taking a flexible, year-by-year approach, allowing Stafford to decide how long he wants to continue playing at a high level.
Matthew Stafford (NFL)McVay noted that while last year’s contract discussions took several months, this year’s negotiations wrapped up in just a few weeks. He joked that, at this rate, future agreements could be finalized in mere days.
This lighter approach reflects both the trust between the Rams and Stafford as well as the team’s preference for maintaining financial flexibility. Given Stafford’s age—37 by the end of the deal—the Rams are cautious about making long-term commitments, as history suggests quarterbacks often experience a decline at that stage in their careers.
Stafford Commits to Rams as Team Makes Key Roster Moves for Future
Despite interest from teams like the Raiders and Giants, Stafford chose to stay with the Rams rather than chase a longer-term contract elsewhere. Los Angeles offers him a strong roster and a chance to compete for another Super Bowl, making it the best option for his career. As long as Stafford remains a high-level quarterback and the Rams can offer competitive financial terms, both sides may continue renewing their agreement on a short-term basis.
Beyond Stafford, the Rams also solidified their offensive line by extending left tackle Alaric Jackson, which McVay described as a significant move. Additionally, the team expects offensive tackle Rob Havenstein and tight end Tyler Higbee to return for the 2025 season. However, star wide receiver Cooper Kupp’s future remains uncertain, as the Rams have been attempting to trade him due to his high cap hit. McVay remained noncommittal regarding Kupp’s fate, indicating that the team is still evaluating its options.
