Rams Poised to Make Matthew Stafford NFL’s Highest-Paid Player Per Season
PostPosted:2 days 23 hours ago
Rams Poised to Make Matthew Stafford NFL’s Highest-Paid Player Per Season
by By Nate Kessler, GTP Sports Network 9:05 AM February 19, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly prepared to offer quarterback Matthew Stafford a three-year contract that would make him the highest-paid player in the NFL on a per-season basis. The proposed deal is expected to be voidable after the second year, giving both Stafford and the team flexibility moving forward. While negotiations are ongoing, sources indicate that Rams General Manager Les Snead is actively working to clear salary cap space to finalize the deal as soon as possible.
Stafford's agent has set the asking price at $210 million over three years, a figure that would average out to an astounding $70 million per season. The Rams are negotiating to bring that number down slightly but acknowledge that Stafford is deserving of a salary exceeding that of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who currently earns $60 million per year. Given Stafford’s value to the franchise and his role in their Super Bowl LVI victory, the team is prioritizing his extension as a critical offseason move.
Stafford, 37, has been one of the most prolific quarterbacks of his generation. The former first-overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions has thrown for over 56,000 yards and 357 touchdowns in his career. After spending 12 seasons in Detroit, Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021, immediately leading the team to a Super Bowl championship. Known for his toughness and strong arm, Stafford has solidified his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, the Rams have also secured a veteran backup, signing Teddy Bridgewater to a one-year deal. The terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but sources suggest it is a cap-friendly deal that provides much-needed depth at the quarterback position. Bridgewater, often referred to as "The Bridge," has built a reputation as a reliable and experienced signal-caller, having played for multiple teams, including the Vikings, Saints, Panthers, Broncos, and Lions. The former first-round pick out of Louisville has thrown for over 15,000 yards in his career and is regarded as a steady presence in the locker room.
In addition to securing their starting and backup quarterbacks, the Rams are expected to use a sixth-round draft pick on Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel. If necessary, the team is prepared to bundle two sixth-round picks to trade up into the fifth round to ensure they land him. Gabriel, a left-handed quarterback, had an impressive college career with both UCF and Oklahoma, throwing for over 14,000 yards and 125 touchdowns. His mobility and quick release make him an intriguing developmental prospect for the Rams’ future.
With Stafford’s extension looming, Bridgewater in place as a capable backup, and Gabriel potentially joining as a developmental prospect, the Rams are solidifying their quarterback room for both the present and the future. As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on whether Los Angeles can secure Stafford’s new deal while maintaining financial flexibility for the rest of their roster.
by By Nate Kessler, GTP Sports Network 9:05 AM February 19, 2025
The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly prepared to offer quarterback Matthew Stafford a three-year contract that would make him the highest-paid player in the NFL on a per-season basis. The proposed deal is expected to be voidable after the second year, giving both Stafford and the team flexibility moving forward. While negotiations are ongoing, sources indicate that Rams General Manager Les Snead is actively working to clear salary cap space to finalize the deal as soon as possible.
Stafford's agent has set the asking price at $210 million over three years, a figure that would average out to an astounding $70 million per season. The Rams are negotiating to bring that number down slightly but acknowledge that Stafford is deserving of a salary exceeding that of Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who currently earns $60 million per year. Given Stafford’s value to the franchise and his role in their Super Bowl LVI victory, the team is prioritizing his extension as a critical offseason move.
Stafford, 37, has been one of the most prolific quarterbacks of his generation. The former first-overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions has thrown for over 56,000 yards and 357 touchdowns in his career. After spending 12 seasons in Detroit, Stafford was traded to the Rams in 2021, immediately leading the team to a Super Bowl championship. Known for his toughness and strong arm, Stafford has solidified his status as one of the league’s elite quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, the Rams have also secured a veteran backup, signing Teddy Bridgewater to a one-year deal. The terms of the contract have not been disclosed, but sources suggest it is a cap-friendly deal that provides much-needed depth at the quarterback position. Bridgewater, often referred to as "The Bridge," has built a reputation as a reliable and experienced signal-caller, having played for multiple teams, including the Vikings, Saints, Panthers, Broncos, and Lions. The former first-round pick out of Louisville has thrown for over 15,000 yards in his career and is regarded as a steady presence in the locker room.
In addition to securing their starting and backup quarterbacks, the Rams are expected to use a sixth-round draft pick on Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel. If necessary, the team is prepared to bundle two sixth-round picks to trade up into the fifth round to ensure they land him. Gabriel, a left-handed quarterback, had an impressive college career with both UCF and Oklahoma, throwing for over 14,000 yards and 125 touchdowns. His mobility and quick release make him an intriguing developmental prospect for the Rams’ future.
With Stafford’s extension looming, Bridgewater in place as a capable backup, and Gabriel potentially joining as a developmental prospect, the Rams are solidifying their quarterback room for both the present and the future. As negotiations continue, all eyes will be on whether Los Angeles can secure Stafford’s new deal while maintaining financial flexibility for the rest of their roster.
