[Hacksaw]

I hope McVay and Mayfield both value that combo.

[majik]

While there are many QB needy teams, the draft takes up some of those openings each year.

Coming back as Stafford’s backup might not be as outrageous as one’s initial thought. Mayfield has seen what can happen in a “loser” organization with substandard coaching, maybe a very out of the box structured contract to be the heir apparent here might beat what is actually available

[ramsman34]

While there are many QB needy teams, the draft takes up some of those openings each year.

Coming back as Stafford’s backup might not be as outrageous as one’s initial thought. Mayfield has seen what can happen in a “loser” organization with substandard coaching, maybe a very out of the box structured contract to be the heir apparent here might beat what is actually available

Never thought of a creative contract to ensure he is the future starter. That’s actually a good plan/idea. Would almost have to get a Stafford commitment on a retirement date. That would be wild. Then you carry only the 2 QBs freeing up another roster spot and draft one for the PS. Perkins and Wolford have shown what they are. They are backups who you can’t count on to win even 50% of the games they start. That is what you need from a back up, at minimum. Those 2 are likely gone with Wolford staying on staff as a coach.

[ramman2999]

We don’t owe Baker anything. There is no way we make him a promise quarterback in waiting give Stafford a retirement date. I don’t wanna see Stafford leave. He’s a hall of fame Quarterback one season removed from winning us a super bowl.

He can retires when he wants to.

Now I’d love to see Baker resign here out of liking the culture and the team we provide to him.

Can he be our Steve Young absolutely. But we need some buy in from him.

Before the Rams no one wanted Baker so hopefully that goes a little way.

2 year deal 20 million hopefully gets it done.

Now with Jimmy Jameis and Gardener hitting the market next season there are going to be plenty of other Quarterbacks to pick from.

One of the spots we do need is a competent backup.

But when you look at what this team can be Kupp Jefferson Atwell Robinson Beckham? Akers Higbee we can be a special bunch and reload quick.

[Elvis]

Seems Carr's days with the Raiders are over so that's one more QB available and one more team that will be looking for one...

[PARAM]

We don’t owe Baker anything. There is no way we make him a promise quarterback in waiting give Stafford a retirement date. I don’t wanna see Stafford leave. He’s a hall of fame Quarterback one season removed from winning us a super bowl.

He can retires when he wants to.

Now I’d love to see Baker resign here out of liking the culture and the team we provide to him.

Can he be our Steve Young absolutely. But we need some buy in from him.

Before the Rams no one wanted Baker so hopefully that goes a little way.

2 year deal 20 million hopefully gets it done.

Now with Jimmy Jameis and Gardener hitting the market next season there are going to be plenty of other Quarterbacks to pick from.

One of the spots we do need is a competent backup.

But when you look at what this team can be Kupp Jefferson Atwell Robinson Beckham? Akers Higbee we can be a special bunch and reload quick.

Mayfield is with the right coach now. He knows what it's like to be with the wrong coach. He knows what it's like to be with a bad team. He'll get offers this off season, to be sure. But how much money are we talking? Will it make up for a terrible atmosphere? His talents being questioned? Losing? The Rams would love to have him in 2023 and beyond. They'll get creative and work up an offer. He'll be here in case Stafford is injured again or retires.

Here's Stafford's injury history.

Oct 4, 2009 NFL Knee Patella Dislocation Stafford dislocated his patella against the Bears, costing him 2 games. He had minor surgery in December of 2009.
Nov 22, 2009 NFL Shoulder A/C Joint Separation Stafford played the next 2 games before sitting out the final 4 with a separated shoulder.
Dec 6, 2009 NFL Shoulder A/C Joint Separation Stafford missed 4 games with a shoulder dislocation after a hard hit against the Bengals.
Sep 12, 2010 NFL Shoulder A/C Joint Separation Stafford missed 5 games.
Nov 7, 2010 NFL Shoulder A/C Joint Separation Stafford re-injured his shoulder and eventually underwent surgery in January of 2011.
Oct 23, 2011 NFL Pedal Ankle Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 Stafford didn't miss any games with his ankle ailment.
Oct 30, 2011 NFL Hand Finger Fracture Stafford played through a fractured right index finger.
Dec 9, 2016 NFL Hand Finger Dislocation Stafford also suffered torn ligaments in his finger, although it didn't cost him any games.
Nov 3, 2019 NFL Back Tailbone Fracture Matthew Stafford ended his season due to the fractured bones in his back in Week 9 game vs. the Raiders
Nov 15, 2020 NFL Hand Thumb Torn Ligament Stafford suffered a partial tear in a ligament in his right thumb during the win vs. Washington. He played through the injury in the next games
Dec 13, 2020 NFL Chest Rib Sprain/Pull Unspecified Stafford injured his ribs during the team’s Week 14 loss to the Packers. He didn't miss any game
Dec 26, 2020 NFL Pedal Ankle Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 Stafford suffers ankle injury in Lions' loss to Bucs. He was available for the season finale.
Aug 2, 2021 NFL Hand Thumb Sprain Stafford hit his right thumb on a teammate's helmet during practice and was shut down from throwing for the rest of the day.
Nov 4, 2021 NFL Back Lower Lumbar Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 Stafford was held out of practice due to a sore back ahead of Week 9
Nov 7, 2021 NFL Pedal Ankle Sprain/Pull Unspecified Grade 1 Stafford sprained his ankle during Week 9's loss to the Titans. He was good for the next game
Jan 9, 2022 NFL Pedal Toe Sprain Stafford injured his toe during a Week 18 loss to the 49ers. He was fine for the wild-card game against the Cardinals.
Mar 9, 2022 NFL Arm Elbow Infection Stafford didn't throw during Los Angeles' voluntary OTAs due to the inflammatory injection he received in his elbow this offseason
Aug 1, 2022 NFL Arm Elbow Sprain Stafford dealt with elbow tendinitis, and while he "did not get to a place he really needs to be" (per Ian Rapoport) after an offseason procedure, he was fine for Week 1.
Nov 6, 2022 NFL Head Cranial Concussion Grade 1 Stafford entered the protocol on Tuesday, November 8.
Nov 20, 2022 NFL Spine Spinal Cord Bruise Stafford was placed in the concussion protocol following the injury.

Matt Stafford is unique. He's been injured a ton of times, missed very little time because he's tough as hell and plays through it if it's humanly possible. But that has got to wear on the body. Does it escalate the physical deterioration of the body? I don't see how it wouldn't. The guy is great. He's as talented as Rodgers or Brady and absolutely a lot tougher both mentally and physically. He languished in Detroit with nary a peep. He's one of two Rams QBs to win a Superbowl. I watched him when he was at Georgia. His most gutsy performance was at the end of his first year there when he upset Va Tech in the Sugar Bowl. I have that game as well as many others on DVD. FWIW, his team mate was Rams RB coach Thomas Brown. I watched him in Detroit and have thoroughly enjoyed and will continue to enjoy his time as a Ram. But nobody knows how long that tenure will be.

So Baker should take stock in that. His best situation is signing with the Rams.

[Hacksaw]

Never thought of a creative contract to ensure he is the future starter. That’s actually a good plan/idea. Would almost have to get a Stafford commitment on a retirement date.

I think it would be important to Baker that McV would commit to stay after Stafford retires.

[69RamFan]

I can see Baker staying put,

On a three year deal with an option out after one year,

to make him feel compfortable so if by chance Staff retires,

Then he can sign a big contract.

As KW stated,

Finding the right fit between QB & HC/OC

Baker and McVay is a nice fit.

[safer]

I think we should offer Baker better money to be our back up for another season.
I have to think that Stafford has to be at least thinking of retirement next year or the following. As for Baker, why wouldn't he want to work a full year in our system? Then he could set himself up well for F/A. Where it could get dicey is if Stafford wants to play after the 23 season, and coach feels Baker is ready to take over the reins. IF that happens, I cannot see our letting Baker walk over just one season. I'd bet the Rams would work out some sort of retirement package for Stafford at that time.

[snackdaddy]

Stafford starting and Baker backing him up would be our dream scenario. But lets be real. Baker wants a starting gig. He believes he's worthy of one. There are a number of teams who need an upgrade at the position. If he continues to play well someone will offer him a starting job.

The 4 NFC South teams will all need an upgrade next season. And one will win the division resulting in them picking in the bottom half of the first round. There likely won't be a franchise type QB by then. Someone like Baker becomes desirable. Or teams who won't be picking in the top ten like both NY teams and Washington. They need QB upgrades if they want to be legit playoff teams.

Like Elvis said, its likely Stafford and a comp pick for Baker.