LA’s million-dollar problem: Is Matthew Stafford still the guy?

Sean McVay doesn’t have a poker face. When he talks about Matthew Stafford, you can hear the conflict in his voice. On one hand, Stafford led the Rams to a Super Bowl. On the other, the business side of football doesn’t run on nostalgia—it runs on dollars.

And right now, those dollars add up to $32 million in 2025, with $58 million more through 2026. That’s the number making Rams execs shift uncomfortably in their seats.

Statistically, Stafford’s 2024 season wasn’t bad—3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns—but it also wasn’t the kind of performance that makes a front office double down on a quarterback in his mid-30s. His QB+ score (71.9) ranked 22nd, and when Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua weren’t on the field, things got rough.

It’s no surprise the Rams started asking around about his trade value. But McVay? He’s walking a tightrope. “There is no dispute—let’s not get it twisted in regarding to anybody wanting him to be our quarterback,” McVay said on Fitz & Whit.

But he also admitted the Rams have to explore their options. They aren’t just looking at Stafford’s production—they’re looking at what keeping him means for the future of this roster. And then there’s the money. Stafford has already made close to $500 million in career earnings—one of the highest-paid players in NFL history.

First overall pick under the restructured rookie contract rules. Massive extension in Detroit. Championship bonus in L.A. Now, with the Rams weighing an extra $32 million guaranteed, the front office is asking the uncomfortable question: Have they already paid for his best years?

McVay insists this isn’t some behind-the-scenes power move. “We want to make sure that we’re all abreast of the situation,” he said. Translation? Stafford is still their guy… for now. But let’s not pretend this meeting wasn’t about what happens next.

A restructured deal could keep Stafford in L.A., or the Rams could hit reset. Either way, this decision isn’t just about one quarterback—it’s about the direction of the franchise. McVay’s staff is already getting a facelift, so why not the guy under center? The coaching overhaul is in full swing, and big changes could be coming.

Scott Huff was one of those moves, but he’s now in Alabama after a quick stop in Seattle. Meanwhile, John Benton steps in under Klint Kubiak in L.A. The Rams are making moves. The question is, will Stafford be part of them?

Sean McVay should start looking beyond Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford and the Rams are about to have that conversation—the one where both sides dance around the obvious before finally getting to the real question: Are we still doing this? The Rams gave Stafford permission to talk to other teams, and guess what? He did.

A two-year, $100 million deal with the Raiders or Giants? That’s the number floating around. And now, with Stafford’s market value set, the Rams need to decide what’s next. That’s LA’s Endgame!

Sean McVay isn’t hiding the dilemma. “How do you continuously look at the short term and long term?” he asked on Fitz & Whit. Translation: How do you balance paying Stafford what he wants versus keeping the team competitive? The Rams know Stafford’s still got it—he nearly dragged them to the NFC Championship last season.

But with just $4 million guaranteed in 2025 and nothing in 2026, the financial side of this is a problem.

Enter the Giants and Raiders, two teams desperate for a quarterback. New York ditched Daniel Jones, but they hold the No. 3 pick in the draft. Would they rather gamble on Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, or lock in a Super Bowl-winning veteran? Meanwhile, the Raiders literally sent Tom Brady to recruit Stafford in Montana. If there’s one guy who knows the value of an experienced QB, it’s Brady.

But here’s another twist—what about Indianapolis? Chris Ballard isn’t exactly shutting down the idea of Stafford to the Colts. Anthony Richardson is still raw, and the AFC South is wide open. Stafford walking into Indy with Jonathan Taylor, Michael Pittman, and a dome to sling it in? That’s not a bad setup.

Whatever happens, Stafford is the first QB domino to fall this offseason. The Rams are either keeping him or cashing in while they still can. Either way, Sean McVay’s offseason is being a busy one.