Los Angeles – Los Angeles Rams Coach Sean McVay said: Matthew Stafford After the team was able to work out the quarterback’s contract, he reported to camp.
Stafford was due to make $31 million in base salary this season as part of a four-year, $160 million contract with the Rams in 2022. He has three years remaining on his contract, but this was set to be his final season with guaranteed salary.
McVay declined to go into specifics about Stafford’s contract changes, but said it wasn’t an extension. He said there were “a lot of great conversations” between the two sides, and that ultimately they were “looking to find a solution that really suited our team, and incorporated some things that reflect Matthew’s values.”
“And I feel like we’ve accomplished that,” McVay said Tuesday. “So that was always a goal that we had in mind and we’re there now, so I’m excited about that.”
“I’m grateful that we were able to find a solution and I’m grateful that we were able to have a lot of dialogue,” McVay said. “… I’m relieved that it happened and I think the way it happened was healthy for everyone involved. And ultimately, I’m excited for this team.”
McVay said Stafford first asked the Rams for a contract adjustment in March, but that “there was an increased urgency over the last week, especially the last 12 hours,” and that they felt like they were working toward common ground.
McVay confirmed reports in April that Stafford wanted more guaranteed money in his contract and said the two sides would work to resolve it. “Nothing is more important than making sure Stafford feels valued and knows how much we love him and want him to lead the team,” McVay said at the time. Stafford did not speak to reporters during the Rams’ offseason program.
Despite contract negotiations, Stafford participated in the Rams’ offseason program, and during minicamp in June, McVay said he “couldn’t be more impressed with the way Stafford is playing.” [Stafford has] He handled it the way he led and the way he’s been here every day doing his job.”
Stafford threw for 3,965 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games last season and was a finalist for the Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award after suffering a spinal cord contusion, but was limited to nine games due to concussion protocol.
