Matthew Stafford Agrees to Restructured Deal with Los Angeles Rams

Image credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford have agreed to a restructured contract that keeps the quarterback in Los Angeles, the team announced. The adjusted contract came after the Rams gave Stafford's agent, Jimmy Sexton, permission to speak to other teams about his value in the quarterback market. After discussions with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants about contract parameters, Stafford and the Rams were able to come to an agreement on a reworked contract. With Stafford remaining with the Rams, the Giants are investigating all veteran quarterback options, including Aaron Rodgers, while the Raiders are now looking into veteran options that include Russell Wilson, Justin Fields, and Sam Darnold.

The Rams also reached a deal with one of Stafford's offensive linemen, as the team and offensive tackle Alaric Jackson reached a three-year, $57 million contract ($35M guaranteed) ahead of free agency. Earlier in the week, Rams coach Sean McVay said that the team's "first goal" was to have Stafford remain the starting quarterback but that the organization was trying to balance the short-term and long-term roster decisions that come from an adjusted contract. Stafford, who signed a contract extension with the Rams in March 2022, had two seasons left on the extension with $4 million guaranteed in 2025 and no guaranteed money in 2026. The restructured deal allows the Rams to maintain a competitive roster while also providing Stafford with a fair contract.

The decision by Stafford to stay with the Rams has significant implications for the quarterback market, with several teams now looking for alternative options. The Giants, in particular, are exploring all avenues, including the possibility of signing Aaron Rodgers, who is expected to be released by the New York Jets. The Raiders, meanwhile, are considering a range of options, including Sam Darnold, who could be a good fit for their offense. The NFL combine has provided a platform for teams to discuss potential trades and signings, with several quarterbacks expected to be on the move in the coming weeks. As the free agency period approaches, teams are preparing to make key decisions that will shape their rosters for the upcoming season.

The following are some of the key quarterback options that teams are considering:

• Aaron Rodgers: Expected to be released by the New York Jets and could be a target for the Giants
• Sam Darnold: Could be a good fit for the Raiders' offense
• Russell Wilson: A veteran option who could be considered by several teams
• Justin Fields: A young quarterback who could be a target for teams looking to rebuild

The quarterback market is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams looking to sign or trade for experienced quarterbacks. As the free agency period approaches, teams will be looking to make key decisions that will shape their rosters for the upcoming season.

The Rams' decision to restructure Stafford's contract has provided a sense of stability for the team, allowing them to maintain a competitive roster while also providing Stafford with a fair contract. The team's offense, which has been led by Stafford for the past few seasons, is expected to remain a key part of their strategy in the upcoming season. With the NFL draft approaching, teams will be looking to add new talent to their rosters, and the quarterback position is expected to be a key area of focus.

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