[Indrid Cold]

I don't see Jimmy staying for anything less than $20-$25M. If Stafford retires they should save around $26M and that IMO is what they will pay for Jimmy.

Play 1 game and get an 800% pay raise. Give me that gig.

[ramsww]

I'm still not clear on what you're saying.

Are you suggesting that Stafford might not wish to continue playing, or that the Rams might not be willing to pay for him to return?

Funny, when I post something new and it gets buried back in some other derivative post a month old but this subject gets buried from 3 weeks ago. Signing Stafford doesn’t seem such a slam dunk now does it? I always said it was a $$ issue and as I predicted Stafford (seems to be) asking for more $$ than the Rams may want to pony up. I never saw him taking a team friendly deal. He never has. Not a knock on Stafford or the Rams. It’s just business.

[rams74]

Signing Stafford doesn’t seem such a slam dunk now does it?

It doesn't? Sure, it won't be done until it's done. In the meantime, all the rumors floating around now were all predictable.

Not sure I'd call it a slam dunk, but it's still an easy call for the Rams, in my opinion. Working out the details might be tricky and take a little time.

But I could be all wrong. If that's the case, I'll have to reevaluate my expectations for the coming season.

[AvengerRam]

Signing Stafford doesn’t seem such a slam dunk now does it?

No, it still seems like a slam dunk.

I always said it was a $$ issue and as I predicted Stafford (seems to be) asking for more $$ than the Rams may want to pony up. I never saw him taking a team friendly deal. He never has. Not a knock on Stafford or the Rams. It’s just business.

There has been a lot of speculation, but I have not seen a single credible/sourced report that suggests that the Rams and Stafford are unlikely to work out the financial issues.

[ramsman34]

If Staff wants to keep playing, as he has stated, he’s getting paid. If the Rams want a quality vet (none of the FAs are better than Staff) that vet too will get paid - trade or otherwise. The market dictates what top QBs make. A top QB is what is needed, more often than not, to win it all. Staff is a top QB.

The Rams need a top QB to win it all. Top QBs get paid. Staff is a top QB. Pretty simple if ya ask me. Pay the man. 3 year deal that’s really a 2 year deal. Worry about the rest later.

I would also try to work something out with Kupp. I don’t think he is amenable to a pay cut but that’s what it will take. Locker room harmony cannot be overstated. Try your best to keep that status quo.

There won’t be a lot of money left for FAs. A Jax is the most important. If the above happens and A Jax is the only FA they sign. They are still in pretty good shape. Just have to nail the draft…again.

That’s about as all in as they can probably do. Kupp’s contract off the books changes things but disrupts the cohesion. I think MCV and the team can understand and handle that.

[ramsww]

I’m not saying the Rams won’t bite the bullet I’m saying IMO that’s what it would be. Reluctantly paying more than they want for a top tier QB who has an injury history and no history of flexibility on his bottom line. I just don’t see it happening and the latest “rumors” (which is all they are) seem to make it a bigger hill to climb.

[AvengerRam]

I’m not saying the Rams won’t bite the bullet I’m saying IMO that’s what it would be. Reluctantly paying more than they want for a top tier QB who has an injury history and no history of flexibility on his bottom line. I just don’t see it happening and the latest “rumors” (which is all they are) seem to make it a bigger hill to climb.

Franchise QBs are not cheap.

If Stafford was 32, it would be easy - just sign him to a 4-5 year deal and pay him market price.

At 37, there are other considerations. How long does Stafford really want to play? Can the Rams satisfy his demands while limiting the financial commitment to the next year or two?

I fully expect that they'll find a middle ground.

[Dare]

I understand that Stafford is a beloved player, but everything in life changes. If the Rams wish to continue to contend they must continue to evolve. Many were wary of the new defense and DC. I welcomed it not just because I disliked Morris but because I could see this team DESERVED better.

Now people look at this defense with awe and know it's a force the likes of which have been a long time in returning to this franchise. When they signed Stafford it wasn't the beginning of a new era it was the transition to a new era. Now that era must (and for good reason) either evolve or become obsolete. Their investment in the OL, and defense shows where Kroenke, and Snead stand on that question.

The OL, and defense are the foundation upon which the Rams must continue to build. Just as they are moving on from Kupp, so they must with Stafford. IMO if Matt plays in LA in the coming season it will be because they simply could not find a trade partner to get what they need not because they couldn't come to terms. IMO that is what was implicit in Kelly's statement that the Rams about staying in LA. What is lost in all this is that Matt himself set this all in motion a year ago. Unlike most as a former business owner I recognized it for what it was. He was going to play in LA under his terms or move on. Don't blame anyone but Stafford on that accord, it was a very clear message. It's why I've been saying what I have been ever since.

So regardless, of whether Matt stays or leaves the Rams must settle this QB1 issue this year, and that long term has been set up by Stafford himself a year ago. Matt claims to have gas in his tank but that tank is much smaller now than back in 2021 and that was clear at how he played after his second bye as opposed to before it. Stafford's demand last year made it clear he will play year to year at his option not the team's and no owner will accept that.

The only real question is who will be QB1 in 2026, i.e. someone they draft or a yet unknown vet QB? Drafting a QB seems the most logical. Given McVay's scheme, they probably have two potential targets. How they pick will be determined after the Combine when QBs tend to move up or down in the draft. I don't think the Combine will determine who they take but when.

[ramman2999]

You wont find another Quarterback as good as Stafford on the open market.

The Eagles just won a super bowl with great defense and a great defensive line.

We have a great defensive line.

I would argue it’s the Eagles and us.

With Nacua the pieces are there.

Sign Aleric Jackson or bring in Ronnie Stanley.

And Bring back Robinson him and Stafford seem to be on the same page.

Is there a sure fire number 1 franchise Quarterback in this draft?

Dont see one.

So it’s Stafford.

Rodgers is on the street. Hes a Hall of famer. But I dont think he will do what is neccessary to win a super bowl.

Dont bullshit Rodgers right now is more mobile than Stafford.

And with this defense he can go on a run. Playing in the dome sofi helps.

And if you look at his tape towards the end of the season he played great. New york was shit and he hated the owner. You cant win like that. Mcvay the Rams are a great situation. And a shot at him winning a super bowl would rejuvenate him. Thats the only other alternative out there.

Throw the politics out Rodgers is respected in the locker room. I just dont think he can get rid of all the other stuff he likes saying fuck the off season. There has to be a buy in from him.

Stafford get your ass back. This is all negotiating Kelly included. I think the Rams get a 3 yr. Deal done around 54 million. And Stafford hangs out with his boy Kershaw.

Player option for year 3.

He can still play. At some point the Rams have to draft a Quarterback and I think they will.

Goropollo hello Arch Manning.

Joe Burrow is still a possibilty. But if they bring back Chase I dont think so. But shit Luka got traded to the Lakers so He could be in tinsletown.

The Rams are in a super bowl window and Stafford needs to be a part of that.

[PARAM]

Stafford wants good money? Fine! Give it to him! Who are the best QBs in the NFL?

Mahomes? Sure but even he is beatable (and badly) if things aren't right around him.

Allen? Sure but hasn't he been projected to be a Superbowl winner lately? Deserved the MVP. 0 Superbowls.

Lamar? Sure. Just as good as Allen with the same results.

Burrow? Sure. But he lacks complimentary pieces and the lose more every year. 1 Superbowl loss.

Herbert? Sure. Needs some pieces too but unlike Burrow, he may get them.

Hurts? He's good and now he's a Champion. Great OL, great RB, great receivers, great defense.

Love? Inconsistent.
Darnold? No.
Rodgers? He hasn't won shit in 15 years and he's had some good teams.
Cousins? No.

Who else?
And where does Stafford stack up? 37? So what? Injury prone? How many games have those younger guys missed compared to Stafford? He executes the system great. He's got supreme talents. HE WANTS TO PLAY!

Pay the man. Stop worrying about age and look at the film. Pay the man.