Photo: Getty Images
The Los Angeles Rams have reached an agreement with quarterback Matthew Stafford on a restructured deal, avoiding trade speculation prior to the 2025 season, sources confirmed to ESPN's Adam Schefter on Friday (February 28).
"LA’s quarterback is back: the Rams and Matthew Stafford reached agreement today on a restructured deal that keeps him in Los Angeles and quashes any and all trade speculation, per sources. The first significant off-season QB domino has fallen," Schefter wrote on his X account. "Whether Matthew Stafford returned to LA or was traded to another team was going to influence potential pending QB decisions with multiple NFL teams. Now that Stafford is slotted to LA, QB-needy teams such as the Raiders, Steelers, Giants and Browns can continue on with their off-season QB plans."
The Rams confirmed that Stafford was expected to return in a post shared on their X account shortly after the report.
Stafford previously reworked his contract with the Rams prior to the 2024 NFL season, however, the process took longer than expected and Los Angeles would want the situation sorted early so he'll be present at training camp.
“We don’t want to have that go on again,” said head coach Sean McVay via ESPN. “I don’t think that’s good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication.
“I think there’s a lot of love coming from our part. I think there’s a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario.”
Stafford threw for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions on 340 of 517 passing in 2024, leading the Rams to a 10-6 record and win against the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Wild Card round. Los Angeles acquired Stafford in a trade with the Detroit Lions, his team for the first 12 seasons of his NFL career, months ahead of winning Super Bowl LVI.