Los Angeles โ Matthew Stafford, having navigated a second offseason centered around his contract, returned to action with the Los Angeles Rams with a renewed sense of gratitude. After threatening trade discussions and ultimately renegotiating his contract for the second consecutive offseason, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback joined the Rams for their voluntary workout program on Monday. This latest contract restructuring follows the extension Stafford earned when the Rams won the championship three years ago.
While Stafford chose not to divulge too much about the recent negotiations, this yearโs talks were notably brief, unlike the previous yearโs, which dragged into training camp in 2024. Before the Rams agreed to his contract demands, Stafford explored potential trade possibilities to other NFL teams.
โThere are so many great aspects to our organization and team,โ Stafford remarked. โI never truly wanted to leave. Iโm thrilled to be back and grateful the Rams want me to stay.โ Staffordโs words emphasize his preference for continuity, aiming for another successful season with the Rams.
The quarterback, who started his career with the Detroit Lions, is set to embark on his fifth season in Los Angeles after carefully contemplating a career reset elsewhere. While the Rams and Stafford have publicly minimized the gravity of their negotiations, the discussions had tangible weight, with the Rams permitting Staffordโs agent to test his market value, sparking rumors linking him to teams like the Raiders and Giants.
โIn such situations, itโs only sensible to evaluate your options,โ Stafford noted. Nonetheless, his commitment to staying a Ram was paramount, and he expressed relief that the matter reached a resolution favorable to both parties.
As Stafford enters his 17th NFL season, he has made clear his approach to take future contract decisions one year at a time, with the Rams reportedly willing to accommodate this methodology for the near term. However, there remains a possibility that the Rams will draft a quarterback to secure their future lead in the upcoming week, possibly utilizing their 26th overall draft pick. Should a new quarterback join the roster, Staffordโs priority remains unwavering: contributing to team success.
โWhoever we bring in, I hope they bolster our team,โ Stafford stated. Reflecting on last yearโs draft, he emphasized the impact of new talent and his openness to mentoring a new quarterback while maintaining a focus on winning.
The offseason program presents an opportunity for Stafford to develop a synergy with Davante Adams, recently signed and formerly a notable figure in the NFC North. Adams, who penned a two-year agreement with Los Angeles, will aim to make his mark following the Ramsโ release of Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, who previously worked closely with Stafford.
Having long respected Adams as a rival, Stafford is eager to collaborate with the standout receiver. Stafford lauded Adamsโ abilities, particularly the receiverโs established connection with quarterback Aaron Rodgers during their time in Green Bay.
With Staffordโs return, the Rams eye a strong campaign focused on advancing beyond last yearโs playoff exit against Philadelphia. The consistency that Stafford brings to the quarterback position sets a solid foundation for the Rams as they embark on their new season preparations. The presence of a decorated veteran like Stafford at the helm secures stability for the teamโs offensive strategy moving forward.