Rams Revise Stafford’s Contract with Built-In Flexibility

The Los Angeles Rams have made significant changes to NFL MVP Matthew Stafford’s contract, ensuring that it includes flexible options moving forward. This setup allows both the team and Stafford to reassess their partnership annually.

According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Stafford’s new contract features postseason guarantee triggers for 2026 and 2027. This means that rather than committing to a long-term deal, the Rams and Stafford can evaluate their situation each year. Stafford, who will turn 39 in February 2027, won’t be locked into a fully guaranteed contract.

Currently, Stafford is well-compensated; he is set to earn $40 million in 2026 along with a guaranteed $5 million roster bonus in March 2027. If he remains on the roster by the third day of the 2027 league year, he would receive a guaranteed base salary of $45 million in 2027, plus an additional $5 million in roster bonuses for 2028. This contract structure creates a decision point for both parties every March.

Another intriguing element is the “dummy year” included for 2029, where Stafford’s scheduled base salary is $100 million, but that’s not meant to be actually paid. Pelissero observed that if Stafford plans to continue his career, a new contract or transition will need to be considered.

This strategy appears to safeguard all parties involved, allowing the Rams to adapt their plans as needed.

The implications also extend to rookie quarterback Ty Simpson. According to reports, while Stafford’s team understands that he will play “as long as he wants to,” the Rams are eyeing Simpson as their future star. Coach McVeigh’s “one year at a time” philosophy lets him decide when to shift the focus to the rookie.

Furthermore, the Rams’ ongoing commitment seems hinged on winning, with Stafford able to earn an extra $5 million each season based on playoff performance. This includes bonuses for playing a significant amount of snaps and achieving success in the playoffs.

In total, Stafford could potentially earn $105 million over the next two seasons. More significantly, this contract gives the Rams options—something that often eludes NFL teams with aging star quarterbacks.