NFL Rumors: Matthew Stafford Wants New Rams Contract with ‘More Guaranteed Money’

Andrew PetersApril 26, 2024

Rey Del Rio/Getty Images

Matthew Stafford is reportedly looking for a bigger contract with the Los Angeles Rams.

On NFL Network on Thursday, Ian Rappoport reported that the quarterback is looking for an adjusted contract with “more guaranteed money.”

“My understanding is Matthew Stafford, while he has been in the building, does want an adjustment on his contract, does want more guaranteed money past this year,” Rapoport reported. “He believes he has a lot left. A little bit of a lingering issue this offseason for the Rams.”

Stafford signed a four-year, $160 million contract in 2022, with $130 million of that being guaranteed money.

Stafford had 3,965 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2023 and was just shy of beating the Detroit Lions in the wild-card round of the playoffs.

Stafford helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl in 2021 and has been a valuable addition since joining Los Angeles, but his age could pose a risk for giving him a big contract. While the 36-year-old is still performing well, he could begin tapering off and leave the Rams in a bind financially.

It’s not clear whether Stafford is prepared to hold out over a new contract, but the discussion will give Los Angeles another problem to solve this offseason.

If a holdout from Stafford is on the way, the Rams could be in a bind to start the year. They picked up Jimmy Garoppolo to serve as a backup, but if Stafford doesn’t play to start the year, Garoppolo won’t be able to suit up as he will be serving a two-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substance policy.

In the meantime, Los Angeles will look to reach an agreement with Stafford to avoid that scenario and keep its starting quarterback happy.