The Los Angeles Rams acquired Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions last year with the understanding that the veteran quarterback only had two years left on his contract. He’s signed through the 2022 season but the Rams seem committed to Stafford for years to come.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Rams will meet with Stafford’s agent, Tom Condon, to “hammer out an extension” after the season ends. Rapoport said with all the big decisions the Rams are facing this offseason, like potentially re-signing Odell Beckham Jr. and Von Miller, “Stafford is a huge part of that.”
The @NFLGameDay Notebook with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: The #Rams and QB Matthew Stafford are expected to focus on an extension after the season; Jared Goff enters a prove-it year for the #Lions; #Rams star Von Miller is expected to fully explore free agency. pic.twitter.com/wLNcRTN1b2
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 13, 2022
Stafford has a cap hit of $23 million in 2022 but he has no guaranteed money left. Whether he wins a Super Bowl or not today, the Rams would like to reward him with a new contract, which will simultaneously keep him in L.A. beyond just next season.
And by signing Stafford to an extension, the Rams could potentially lower his cap hit in 2022 by spreading out money across future years.