It was reported earlier this week that Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford “needs to stay in Los Angeles and play for” head coach Sean McVay amid rumors claiming the Rams might commerce Stafford since he has no assured cash left on his contract.
There’s yet one more signal that Stafford will not be going anyplace this offseason.
“Whereas uncertainty stays surrounding Matthew Stafford’s future with the staff, league sources are adamant that coach Sean McVay and the group wish to hold the 37-year-old Tremendous Bowl champion,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports activities wrote for a bit printed Wednesday. “A number of groups, per league sources, have known as L.A. about Stafford and the assumption is a first-round choose would most likely be the asking value ought to the Rams select to make a deal.”
Such an asking value for a signal-caller of Stafford’s age suggests the Rams haven’t any authentic curiosity in buying and selling him earlier than the 2025 draft will get underway.
Schultz’s replace is hardly stunning, whatever the commerce rumors that made for some attention-grabbing social-media chatter throughout one of many quieter occasions of the soccer yr. ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported throughout an look on the “Talkin’ Ball with Pat Leonard” podcast final week that the Rams’ “first precedence” was re-signing Stafford and that Stafford “would really like” to stay with the membership for no less than one other season.
As a lot as Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets could have been interested in becoming a member of the Rams, it is comprehensible that McVay and Co. would view Stafford as Los Angeles’ most suitable choice for 2025, contemplating the opposite veteran signal-callers who will probably be obtainable. In accordance with Pro Football Reference, Stafford ended this previous common season and ranked twelfth amongst certified gamers with a 64.7 adjusted QBR and twelfth with a median of 235.1 passing yards per sport. He tossed 20 landing passes and eight interceptions over 16 contests.
“The Rams need him again (he additionally carries a $49.3M cap hit if launched) and there is been nothing up to now that will counsel Stafford does not wish to play for them,” Schultz added. “…Earlier than then, the Rams and Stafford’s agent are planning to satisfy in Indianapolis to see if they’ll discover widespread floor.”
Whereas it is doable negotiations between Stafford’s camp and the Rams might disintegrate, Schultz insisted {that a} reunion is the “almost definitely consequence for” this specific saga. Meaning groups beforehand linked with Stafford, such because the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, might want to look elsewhere.
