The Los Angeles Rams addressed one of their biggest question marks earlier this offseason when they agreed to a restructured contract with Matthew Stafford that ensures he will return as the starting quarterback in 2025.
While a deal ultimately got done, it appeared at one point that the veteran was likely to move on from the Rams. He reportedly met with several teams to gauge his value, but turned down larger offers to remain in L.A.
Stafford will earn $44 million during the 2025 season, which represents a $17 million increase from what he would have gotten before the sides reworked his contract.
Stafford is also set to earn $40 million if he decides to play in 2026 but needs to be on the Rams roster before the start of the next free agency period, via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:
If Mathew Stafford is on the #Rams roster next at the start of FA, he’ll lock in another $40M. Stafford was on the books for $58M over 2 years, now it's $84M over 2 years.
Coach Sean McVay recently told @AdamSchein of @MadDogUnleashed Radio, "I think he can play as long as he… https://t.co/gBeI69D8eQ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2025
While Stafford is getting more money this year, his cap hit for the Rams was lowered to give the team some flexibility. That was made possible because they added five void years onto the end of the contract from 2027-2031.
Stafford’s new contract also has $40 million in guarantees, which is a total raise of $26 million from his previous deal. He additionally has multiple option bonuses worth up to $24 million in 2025 and 2026.
With his new contract, Stafford is essentially making $46.5 million per year, which would put him 11th among all quarterbacks in annual salary.
Matthew Stafford never wanted to leave Rams
Even though he spoke with other teams, Matthew Stafford revealed that he never wanted to leave the Rams this offseason.
“Never really wanted to leave,” Stafford said. “So just happy to be back, and happy that the Rams want me back and we can move forward and hopefully have a great season.”
With his contract situation now behind him, Stafford will look to lead the Rams back to the Super Bowl next season after a tough loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the playoffs last year.
