The Los Angeles Rams’ biggest question heading into training camp was the status of Matthew Stafford’s contract.
Earlier in the offseason, Stafford requested more guaranteed money on his deal, but negotiations didn’t get very far.
However, things picked up toward the start of camp and the two sides were able to reach an agreement.
Stafford spoke to reporters at training camp and said that he wasn’t necessarily relieved but emphasized how happy he is to be back with the team.
“Yeah, I don’t know if that’s the right word,” Stafford said. “I’m just happy to be where I am. I’m happy to be out here playing football. Love doing it. Love doing it with this group and just excited about the year to come, to be honest with you. That’s all that matters to me.”
While he didn’t disclose the outcome of the negotiations, he reiterated that he’s glad it’s behind him now. “Yeah, it was a good agreement. Listen, I’m happy to be where I am, you know what I mean? I’m happy to be here. I’m happy to be playing. I’m excited about playing football this year and that’s what matters to me the most, to be honest with you.”
Lastly, the veteran admitted that not practicing at the start of camp didn’t cross his mind.
“I don’t even think about that kind of stuff, to be honest with you,” he said. “In this business, I’m play-to-play, day-to-day and I’m moment-to-moment so I’m happy to be doing this. Today was a great start for our team, which was really fun to be out there with these guys. We have some guys back that haven’t been out on the field for a while so it’s great to see those guys come out and practice. Shoot, we haven’t done this in a while so it’s nice to be out here and throw it around to let these guys do their thing.”
By all accounts, it sounds like Stafford is pleased with the outcome and can now focus on ramping up for the 2024 season with the Rams.
Matthew Stafford: it was stressful to have contract situation with Rams looming over training camp
Despite his age, Matthew Stafford deserved more money and it was good on the Rams to reward him. However, Stafford did admit that it was a stressful time to have his contract situation looming over training camp.
“Yeah, I do a pretty stressful thing for a living so I’m kind of used to those kinds of things. To be honest with you, I’m happy to be where I am. I know that sounds…over and over again you’re going hear it, but that’s just the truth of it. I’m not interested in kind of reliving my moment-by-moment feelings here or there, but I am just interested in pushing this team and getting to play with these guys for another season.”
