The Rams sidestepped training camp issues by modifying quarterback Matthew Stafford’s contract.
In the last minutes before training camp, the Rams repeatedly delayed coach Sean McVay’s first news conference at Loyola Marymount on Tuesday, pushing it back by an hour each time. McVay and Rams executives were engaged in discussions with quarterback Matthew Stafford and his agent about a contract adjustment Stafford had been requesting since the end of last season.
Eventually, the Rams and the 15-year veteran reached an agreement on a contract adjustment, which McVay clarified was not an extension, though he didn’t provide specifics. “I am relieved that it got done,” McVay said, downplaying the significance.
Matthew Stafford, 36, was set to make $31 million this season with a salary-cap hit of $49.5 million, according to Overthecap.com. Stafford had two years left on the extension he signed in 2022 after leading the Rams to a Super Bowl win, but only $15 million of his $27 million salary in 2025 and none of his $26 million salary in 2026 were guaranteed, as per a source. If Stafford hadn’t reported to training camp by noon on Tuesday, he would have faced $50,000-a-day fines under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement.
Was McVay ready for a possible holdout?
“There was communication that existed,” McVay said, “and fortunately here’s where we are, and it didn’t have to get to that.”
Stafford, who joined the Rams in 2021 and led them to a Super Bowl victory, has not spoken publicly since the Detroit Lions defeated the Rams in an NFC wild-card game last January, spoiling his homecoming. Since then, Lions quarterback Jared Goff and Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence have set new benchmarks for quarterback contracts with substantial extensions.
McVay mentioned on Tuesday that Stafford approached him “around free-agency time” to let him know that his representatives would be reaching out to the Rams.
In April, during the NFL draft, NFL.com reported that Stafford was looking for an adjustment to secure more guaranteed money beyond this season. McVay acknowledged the report and stated that the Rams would work towards a resolution.
“There’s nothing more important than ensuring he feels appreciated and knows how much we love him and want him to lead the team,” McVay had said. “We want to reciprocate the commitment he seeks and work towards figuring that out.”
Stafford participated in voluntary offseason workouts and organized team activities but wasn’t available to reporters. In June, McVay expressed his expectation that Stafford would report for the start of training camp.
The Rams and Stafford’s representatives had discussions, some of which were “somewhat close” while others were “really far off,” according to McVay.
On Tuesday, just before the Rams were set to begin on-field preparations for their September 8 opener in Detroit, they reached an agreement. McVay, Stafford, and team vice president Tony Pastoors were at Loyola Marymount, while general manager Les Snead, team president Kevin Demoff, and Stafford’s agent Jimmy Sexton participated via phone, McVay said.
“There was a lot of great dialogue,” McVay said, “and ultimately, it was all aimed at finding a solution that suits our team while also reflecting Matthew’s worth to us.”
The Rams are looking to build on last season’s unexpected 10-7 finish and playoff appearance.
This would likely be impossible without Stafford.
His value and leverage were heightened by the Rams’ backup quarterback situation.
Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo is suspended for the first two games against the Lions and Arizona Cardinals due to violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing substances policy while with the Las Vegas Raiders. Stetson Bennett is essentially a rookie after missing last season to address mental health issues.
Did Garoppolo’s and Bennett’s situations influence the Rams’ agreement with Stafford?
“You never know, do ya?” McVay remarked.
Before McVay announced the deal with Stafford, several players addressed questions about the unresolved situation.
Steve Avila, a second-year player moving from left guard to center, stated he needed to be prepared regardless of who was taking snaps.
“Let’s just say, knock on wood, he is not able to play a week,” Avila said. “I have to be ready for whoever’s back there, so that’s how I’ll approach camp.”
Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, a 10th-year pro, didn’t speculate on how it might affect preparation if Stafford’s situation remained unresolved.
“I’m not going to get into hypotheticals of what could be this, what could be that,” said Havenstein, the longest-tenured Rams player. “We’re just getting settled in, so we’ll see how things go.”
With Stafford’s deal now completed, McVay and the Rams can move forward.
“Grateful that we came to the solution that I think we all wanted,” McVay said, “and now we can focus on this team and him leading the way.”
