Sean McVay Affirms: Why the Rams are Committed to Keeping Matthew Stafford as Quarterback

The Rams still want Matthew Stafford as their starting quarterback, but the situation is tricky. It’s not just a simple yes or no.

Stafford has been allowed to speak with other teams. Coach Sean McVay mentioned on the Fitz & Whit podcast that both sides started looking into other options when they disagreed on Stafford’s contract for 2025.

This year, Stafford is set to earn $27 million, which is significantly lower than the current market value of about $60 million.

McVay explained, “We had something in mind, he had something in mind, and nobody was right or wrong. There’s a lot of interest because he’s an incredible player.” Still, he emphasized that keeping Stafford is a priority for the Rams.

“There’s no discrepancy on us wanting him to continue to lead the way and be our quarterback,” McVay said. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing short-term needs and long-term goals. The Rams want to support Stafford while also considering what he deserves relative to market expectations.

Essentially, the Rams want Stafford but aren’t ready to meet his asking price. By letting him explore options with other teams, they hope he’ll see that their offer is competitive.

If another team offers more money and a good trade package, a deal could happen. For now, no trade is imminent, but the possibility remains open, and it’s uncertain if both sides can come to an agreement.