Stafford Returns to Rams Content With Reworked Deal After Weighing Other Options

Matthew Stafford is back at work with the Los Angeles Rams after a second consecutive offseason in which he pushed for better financial terms. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback attended the opening of the team's voluntary offseason program on Monday, April 21.

Several weeks earlier, Stafford received a substantial raise on the contract extension he signed three years ago, when the Rams won the championship. It is the second year in a row he has come away with a reworked deal after challenging the team over his terms.

Stafford, 37, did not go into much detail about the dispute. It was far shorter this time than last year, when it lasted until the start of training camp in 2024. He did admit, however, that he did his "due diligence" on possible trade destinations before the Rams gave him what he wanted.

"There's so many positives about our organization, about our team," Stafford said. "I never really wanted to leave, so I'm happy to be back and happy that the Rams wanted me back, and I'm hopeful that we can move forward and have a great season."

Stafford spent the first 12 years of his career in Detroit and will now play his fifth season in Los Angeles, after seriously considering a fresh start elsewhere. Both sides have gently played down how serious the talks became, and coach Sean McVay has said he never truly believed Stafford would leave. But the quarterback's agent received permission from the Rams to gauge his potential trade value, and Stafford was quickly linked to hypothetical deals with the Raiders and the Giants.

"I think anytime those kinds of things come up, you're obviously doing your due diligence and looking around," Stafford said. "You obviously want to poke your head out and see what's going on. Obviously, coming back to the Rams was my number one priority, so I'm glad it worked out and I don't have to worry about it."

Heading into his 17th NFL season, Stafford has made clear that he will decide his future one year at a time from here on. The Rams appear comfortable with that arrangement, at least for 2025.

He will have the entire offseason program to build chemistry with Davante Adams, a longtime NFC North rival. The star receiver signed a two-year contract with the Rams last month. The team also released Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, who had long been Stafford's favorite target.

"He's been an incredible player for a long time," Stafford said of Adams, noting the receiver's special connection with Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay. "Great hands. He can finish plays on the field with scores as well. I'm excited to work with him." Stafford added that he has been a fan of Adams for a long time.

Stafford's return strengthens the Rams' standing as potential Super Bowl contenders again. Last season they won the NFC West and narrowly lost to Philadelphia in the playoffs.