Quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams reached an amicable solution to their concerns over his contract and he reported to training camp, head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday.
McVay was delayed meeting with the media to focus on Stafford’s contract situation, which includes an increase in guaranteed money for the final two years of his existing deal that expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Before Tuesday’s contract modification, Stafford, 36, had $15 million in guarantees remaining on the four-year, $160 million contract he signed in 2022.
“Here’s what I would say right now: There was a lot of great dialogue that existed … and ultimately it was all geared toward finding a solution that really suits our team but also accommodates some of the things that represent Matthew’s worth for us,” McVay said. “That was always the goal in mind.
“Ultimately, all we can do is the next right thing. I’m grateful that we’re in this position. That’s what the delay was for. I’m grateful we came to the solution I think we all wanted and we can focus on this team, and him being able to lead the way and a lot of exciting things could potentially be in store.”
The deal is reportedly not an extension of Stafford’s contract.
Talks were extensive over the past week and vice president of football and business administration Tony Pastoors met with Stafford in person on Tuesday morning. General manager Les Snead, top executive Kevin Demoff and Stafford’s agent, Jimmy Sexton, joined in virtually.
The focus was on resolving the possibility of Stafford holding out during training camp. Stafford reportedly was displeased with the lack of guaranteed money in his contract in 2025 and 2026.
“There’s a lot of layers to these things,” McVay said. “I do want to be careful in getting into too many of the particulars. What I am grateful for is we were able to solve whatever that issue was and now here we are and I’m excited to be able to talk about football.”
Stafford led the Rams to the Super Bowl LVI title at the end of the 2021 campaign.
He missed 10 total games the past two seasons with injuries but threw for 3,965 yards and 24 touchdown passes in 15 games last year.
–Field Level Media
