The Los Angeles Rams got some positive news earlier in the week when they were able to come to a contractual agreement with QB Matthew Stafford. Stafford, who was unhappy with his guaranteed money past 2024, is assumed to have gotten some of his base salary converted to guaranteed cash in an effort to give him some financial commitment from the team past this season.
Stafford spoke about the contract changes after practice Wednesday, and while he declined to go into too much detail about what was adjusted, it is significant because it’s really the first time the quarterback has directly commented on the situation, as he did not speak to reporters during the Rams’ offseason program.
When asked if he was relieved to get the contract taken care of, Stafford responded like the veteran that he is:
Per ESPN via a team source, Stafford was due a $31 million base salary this season on the four-year, $160 million deal he signed with the Rams in 2022. While he still has three years remaining on the contract, only $15 million of his $27 million salary in 2025, and none of the $26 million in 2026, was guaranteed. This left Stafford vulnerable to being traded or cut past the 2024 season without much financial repercussions for LA. That’s not to say the Rams would want to make that move, but given Stafford’s age and recent injury history, there’s a realistic scenario where that could have became an option down the road.
After an injury plagued 2022, Stafford bounced back strong in 2023, with 3,965 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games. He earned his second Pro Bowl nod while helping WR Puka Nacua break most rookie receiving records available. With a large offensive line that should be even better this coming season, Nacua and RB Kyren Williams breaking out and a healthy Cooper Kupp, the Rams are hoping that Stafford has all the tools he needs to show the world why they were content on committing to him for the foreseeable future.
