After much trade speculation, Matthew Stafford is staying in Los Angeles.
The Rams announced Friday that Stafford is returning to the team. The two sides are working on a new deal.
Stafford’s name has been embroiled in trade rumors this offseason that attached him to the Las Vegas Raiders and the New York Giants. The Rams gave Stafford’s agent permission to gauge the quarterback’s market value around the NFL following stalled talks in contract negotiations.
Stafford had two years remaining on his deal but it contained guaranteed money in 2026.
Stafford signed a contract extension with the Rams on March of 2022 after he led the franchise to a Super Bowl 56 title at SoFi Stadium. He then agreed to a reworked deal last offseason.
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Stafford, who turned 37 in February, helped the Rams win the NFC West championship this past season. He passed for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. Los Angeles defeated the Minnesota Vikings in an emotional wild-card playoff game that was relocated to Arizona before they fell to the eventual Super Bowl 59 champion Philadelphia Eagles in the divisional round.
“I know he’s playing really good football. Obviously, I love him and love working with him. What he’s meant to our football team has been immeasurable in a positive way,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said of Stafford during his end-of-season news conference. “I think the coolest thing you can say about Matthew is he shines the brightest on the biggest stages. When you look at the seven playoff games that he’s played in since he’s been a Ram, he certainly gives you a chance every time you step out on the field and for that I’m sure appreciative.’
Stafford has compiled a 34-23 regular-season record with the Rams. He has a 5-2 playoff record in Los Angeles.
The Rams traded for Stafford before the 2021 season after the quarterback spent his first 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions. He’s spent the past four seasons in Los Angeles and a pending new contract means he’ll likely spend the remainder of his career in Southern California. Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
