Matthew Stafford has quickly tumbled down the list of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL, and it sounds like he would like that to change.
Stafford is seeking a reworked contract from the Los Angeles Rams, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. While Stafford is not expected to hold out from training camp, the 36-year-old has communicated to the team that he wants a new deal.
“The breakdown essentially here is that Stafford, my understanding is, wants more guaranteed money,” Rapoport said Tuesday. “It doesn’t sound like he would mind a raise, either. He wants his contract adjusted.”
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: #Rams coach Sean McVay feels like it's "Year 1 again" and his QB Matthew Stafford is feeling just as rejuvenated. pic.twitter.com/ivMNH4Y1UP
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 18, 2024
Stafford is set to make $31 million this season and has no guaranteed money remaining after that. The average annual value of his current contract is $40 million, which places him outside the top 10 at his position following mega-deals that were signed by other quarterbacks over the last two years. The most recent was Trevor Lawrence, who got $55 million per year from the Jacksonville Jaguars.
There have been rumors that the Rams might try to trade Stafford, but head coach Sean McVay put them to rest at the start of the offseason.
After being shut down with an injury for the second half of the 2022 season, Stafford bounced back last year with 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He played at a high level for much of the year and led the Rams back to the playoffs. It would be a surprise if the team does not give Stafford more guarantees, at the very least.
