Matthew Stafford, Rams Reportedly Finalize $84M Contract Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

Veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford finalized his new two-year deal with the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

The contract can pay Stafford up to $84 million and includes $40 million guaranteed.

Fox Sports' Jordan Schultz reported in February that the two-time Pro Bowler rebuffed trade interest from the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants, deciding he wanted to stay in L.A.

According to Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders were prepared to give him between $90 million and $100 million over two years. That's a price the Giants were considering as well, per The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue.

Not only did Stafford leave some money on the table, but he also didn't get much in the way of long-term security since his 2026 earnings are contingent on him remaining on the roster. In addition, a $42 million average salary makes him the 15th-highest-paid QB in the league.

But the 37-year-old has clearly found a comfort zone in Southern California, and the Rams are coming off a second straight playoff appearance. Their 2025 outlook is certainly brighter than that of Las Vegas or New York.

From Los Angeles' perspective, keeping Stafford bought the front office more time to survey possible succession plans.

This offseason had a pretty weak QB class in both free agency and the NFL draft. In the case of the latter, general manager Les Snead should have some options thanks to the players who are draft-eligible and L.A. having the Atlanta Falcons' 2026 first-rounder.

It won't come as a shock if the Rams ultimately let Stafford go next offseason and hand the baton off to a younger signal-caller.