What had seemed like an uncertain offseason for the Los Angeles Rams now is becoming clearer by the day.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday the Rams will pick up quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s 2023 option bonus and 2024 salary. The Rams are now on the hook for $62 million for Stafford, who turns 35 in February. That’s a considerable investment for a quarterback who suffered a spinal contusion and spent time in the NFL’s concussion protocol twice last season.
Stafford had reportedly been considering retirement before ditching that notion during an appearance on his wife Kelly’s podcast in mid-December.
The Rams’ decision on Stafford comes one day after head coach Sean McVay told Rams officials he would return to coach the team in 2023, after speculation he might leave to take a broadcasting job.
So now with McVay and Stafford back in the fold, the Rams have two less worries after coming off a disappointing 5-12 season. To be fair, the defending Super Bowl champions dealt with a number of injuries to their best players, including Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp and defensive star Aaron Donald.
NFL observers think the Rams are making a good investment — if Stafford can stay healthy.
“Rams will be back to being more than relevant IMO. Ton of that thought rests on the health of Matthew Stafford though,” tweeted Michael Hauff.
Rams will be back to being more than relevant IMO. Ton of that thought rests on the health of Matthew Stafford thought.
— Michael Hauff (@TheFFRealist) January 14, 2023
“Rams will be dangerous in 2023… stay healthy!” Jeremy Padawer tweeted.
Rams will be dangerous in 2023… stay healthy!
— Jeremy Padawer (@JeremyCom) January 14, 2023
Alex Clancy tweeted, “Matthew Stafford’s health is obviously the No. 1 concern here. Not sure why it’s such an ‘expected’ decision for them to give that much money with ‘what if he doesn’t play’ possibility looming.”
Oh please do it Stan and Les. This would benefit the rest of the NFC West immensely.
Matthew Stafford’s health is obviously the #1 concern here. Not sure why it’s such an “expected” decision for them to give that much money with “what if he doesn’t play” possibility looming. https://t.co/DpvWvd7iNH
— Alex Clancy (@ClancysCorner) January 14, 2023
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.