It was reported earlier this week that Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford “desires to stay in Los Angeles and play for” head coach Sean McVay amid rumors claiming the Rams may commerce Stafford since he has no assured cash left on his contract.
There may be yet one more signal that Stafford will not be going wherever this offseason.
“Whereas uncertainty stays surrounding Matthew Stafford’s future with the crew, 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 referred to as L.A. about Stafford and the assumption is a first-round decide would in all probability be the asking worth ought to the Rams select to make a deal.”
Such an asking worth for a signal-caller of Stafford’s age suggests the Rams don’t have any reputable curiosity in buying and selling him earlier than the 2025 draft will get underway.
Schultz’s replace is hardly surprising, whatever the commerce rumors that made for some fascinating social-media chatter throughout one of many quieter instances 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 at the very least one other season.
As a lot as Aaron Rodgers of the New York Jets might have been interested in becoming a member of the Rams, it is comprehensible that McVay and Co. would view Stafford as Los Angeles’ best choice for 2025, contemplating the opposite veteran signal-callers who shall be obtainable. In line 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 fulfill in Indianapolis to see if they’ll discover frequent floor.”
Whereas it is attainable negotiations between Stafford’s camp and the Rams may crumble, Schultz insisted {that a} reunion is the “most certainly end result for” this explicit saga. Which means groups beforehand linked with Stafford, such because the New York Giants and Pittsburgh Steelers, might want to look elsewhere.
