Matthew Stafford represented a notable trade target during the Combine, but in the end he and the Rams worked out a new agreement. The exact details on that front are still not known, but Sean McVay confirmed on Monday Los Angeles accelerated compensation which was due later in Stafford’s pact. 
The team took that same route last summer, and in the wake of the first restructure McVay noted the team viewed Stafford’s future on a year-to-year basis. To no surprise, then, the Super Bowl-winning head coach said (via Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic) he expects all parties to find themselves in the same situation again next offseason. Stafford remains under contract through 2026, but his future beyond the coming year is unclear with no extension being worked out.
The 37-year-old was due $27MM in 2025 prior to this latest restructure being agreed to, but only $4MM of that figure was guaranteed (in the form of a roster bonus). His earnings for the coming season may not be known until free agency begins, but a raise taken from funds on his future seasons can be expected. Stafford’s cap charge – which currently sits at $49.67MM – could be altered as a result while the Rams look to make another playoff run in 2025.
“We’ve taken it a year at a time,” McVay said (via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith). “I think he could play for a few more years if that’s what he wanted, but we’ve always had a great dialogue and I think it’s a year-to-year thing. He’s under contract for two more years with us but as long as he wants to play I know we’re feeling really good about that.”
The Rams allowed Stafford’s camp to explore a trade, and the Raiders and Giants emerged as strong suitors on that front. Both teams were prepared to part with draft capital (albeit not their 2025 first-round picks) and commit to a two-year pact featuring up to $100MM guaranteed. Stafford preferred to remain in Los Angeles and continue working with McVay, though, and that will be the case for at least one more year with the door clearly open to 2026 as well.
In the wake of the Rams’ divisional round loss, the former No. 1 pick was uncertain of his intention to continue playing in the NFL. McVay and the Rams made it clear they preferred to have clarity on his status on a much earlier timeline than 2024, and with a new pact in hand (providing a fresh round of immediate compensation) that goal has been achieved prior to free agency.