Caleb Harris
If you want any information or update on Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s contract, you won’t get it from head coach Sean McVay. The team is keeping all contract discussions “internally,” McVay said Tuesday.
Stafford is looking for more guaranteed money for the future and a deal between the quarterback and the team has not yet been reached. McVay said all contract negotiations will remain private.
“Out of respect for the situation, we will keep it internal,” McVay said (via NBC Sports). “What I’m grateful for is that he’s here leading the way and it’s been a good few days for him.”
When pressed by the media, McVay has yet to offer any insight into where the two sides stand.
“Internally,” McVay said, regarding whether contractual adjustments are still under discussion. “I respect the questions, I really do. But, you know, out of respect for the totality of the situation and really, there are a lot of things that we want to be able to keep internally. If there is any information in this regard, you will certainly know and perhaps share it on your Twitter.”
Even with these contractual issues, Stafford attended voluntary OTAs. McVay commented on his presence, saying, “He’s here and we appreciate it, and he knows it.”
“I’ve had good conversations with him about football and anything else besides that, I’m actually going to keep that internal,” the Super Bowl-winning coach continued.
From his comments, it appears there are still some things to work out, and if a deal isn’t reached soon, Stafford could opt to sit out the team’s upcoming activities.
According to for NFL.com, Stafford wants more guaranteed money during the final two years of the deal (2025 and 2026). Stafford has $31 million guaranteed for the 2024 season, which is the last guaranteed money on his current contract.
Los Angeles could part ways with Stafford after this year, so the guaranteed money would give the quarterback a better sense that they will support him in the future. McVay has made it sound like he wants Stafford to be his long-term quarterback, but the comments to the media don’t mean a contract review will definitely be done.
“We were taking it one year at a time, but as long as he wants to play, we’re lucky to have him as our quarterback,” McVay said. he said earlier this month.
Stafford wants the feeling to be translated onto paper.
McVay and Rams general manager Les Snead also spoke about the situation during the NFL Draft in April.
“Let’s take it one day at a time. We’ll see.” McVay said last month. “So let’s try to figure it out. There’s nothing more important than making sure he feels appreciated and knows how much we love him and want him to lead the way. I think that commitment that I think he wants to have can be reciprocated and we want to work to figure that out.”
The 36-year-old is entering his fourth year with the Rams after playing for the Detroit Lions earlier in his career. Last season, he was selected to his first Pro Bowl since 2014 and the second Pro Bowl of his career. He finished the season with 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.
