[ramsman34]

Finally, a voice of hope and reason.

[FMulder]

There is practically no way they trade Stafford. He knows the system and the coaches. They know exactly what they have in him. They know if they can add 1-2 offensive pieces this offense can more than hold its own. They don’t currently have a legit plan B without making 2026 vulnerable or even taking a step back or 2. They also have an IDEA at what a contract would look like and can control the contract length to more fit into their bigger/master plan for this.

He signs a 2 year contract that is more likely a true 1 year deal. They either use this year to start their plan B or have a solid idea going into 2027 what that will be (FA, Draft?/Trade?). McV and Co. are willing to go through some growing pains during that transition but not at the risk of not being contenders while doing so. They need something up and running by the start of 2027. No way they go into next offseason in a similar fashion as this one, but knowing there’s another year on Stafford, he might choose then to retire, or their “plan” doesn’t come to fruition. Way to risky

[WaddyWasWideOpen]

based on whats being reported today and what Ive read around, this time it seems different. Seems Rams want MS and MS wants to play in the LA. Unlike last time it doesnt feel like LA will just get it done. It seems LA wants to do a lot overall, but if they keep MS, they cant. So its a choice between keeping MS with a meh offense, or get better skill pieces on offense and have to start anew at QB. Ugh.

[Elvis]

As far as tea leaves go, this is a pretty good one:

[Elvis]

Albert Breer:

https://www.si.com/nfl/super-bowl-takea ... _k1ghh97fn

Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams

The Rams’ call on Matthew Stafford will have a lot to do with timelines. Sean McVay is in the final year of his 30s, and the franchise is heading into its 10th season back in Los Angeles. And in so many ways, the team itself has found its fountain of youth.

Thanks to the work of McVay, GM Les Snead and VP of football and business administration Tony Pastoors, and so many others, an operation that was win-now for a half-decade has effectively turned the page and now fields one of the NFL’s youngest cores. Byron Young is 26, Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Steve Avila are 25, Jared Verse and Kyren Williams are 24, Puka Nacua is 23, Kam Kinchens is 22, and all have multiple years left on rookie deals.


That gives the Rams the flexibility, with cap space and a full complement of draft picks, to again become the aggressor on the veteran market.

But it also raises a bigger question with Stafford. Last year’s negotiation lasted months, and was difficult, and resulted in a $5 million raise for 2024, in exchange for the removal of all guarantees thereafter. Also, that money was borrowed for the two remaining years on his deal, so his number for ’25 is $4 million less.

Obviously, the quarterback market has changed. Stafford signed a new deal with the Rams three years ago at $40 million per year. Nine quarterbacks are now making more than $50 million annually. So, will Stafford want to stay in 2025? Will the negotiation drag through the entire offseason again? And do the Rams want to do this again with Stafford, if this is just a year-to-year thing, knowing they could be right back here again in ’26?


When the sides agreed over the summer to revisit all this, they knew these would be the questions they’d have to answer. The coaches, for their part, want Stafford to be with them in 2025. But the bigger-picture part of this equation has come into play. And if a team such as Pittsburgh came along offering a first-round pick, the math could certainly change.

[actionjack]

As far as tea leaves go, this is a pretty good one:

exactly

[actionjack]

Albert Breer:

https://www.si.com/nfl/super-bowl-takea ... _k1ghh97fn

Again makes no sense to not sign as there is zero other option. Give me Stafford some weapons and another year with this defense and some draft picks. Again we dont want to be the Cleveland Browns....

[ramsww]

…may be a good time to revisit my earlier post. Chatter, on GMFB, Giants hiring Hall, Stafford’s Brother-in Law and Giants posting social media with cryptc Stafford memes. As I said I’m all in on Stafford returning but he’s obviously raised the ante. hmmm

My post last month:

“From what I’ve heard Stafford made 40 mil this year based on his salary plus pushing up 12.5 mil to redo contract in 2024. Next year he’s due some 23 mil but only 4 mil guaranteed and we know that ain’t gonna happen

49 mil cap. #26 pick round one in draft does not get your QB of the future. Many FA’s to consider. I think they’ll focus on Stafford before anything else.”

[ramsww]

Led Zeppelin 1973

Ah, excuse me
Oh, will you excuse me
I'm just trying to find the bridge
Has anybody seen the bridge?
Please
(Have you seen the bridge?)
I ain't seen the bridge
(Where's that confounded bridge?)

Jimmy the Bridge Garoppolo is good to be the "bridge" for one series while the starting QB gets his ankle taped. Oh, and maybe to play in a meaningless game. Beyond that he is a disaster. I doubt that the Rams offer Garoppolo a contract for 2025

Agree and a Zep reference no less…lol

[snackdaddy]

Again makes no sense to not sign as there is zero other option. Give me Stafford some weapons and another year with this defense and some draft picks. Again we dont want to be the Cleveland Browns....

And if a team such as Pittsburgh came along offering a first-round pick, the math could certainly change.

For Pittsburgh that would be a great move. Immediately put them in the conversation. For the Rams that would ruin any chance of another championship the next couple years. I hope they aren't tempted if someone is offering a first for Stafford. I still think he's got at least a couple more good years left.