It was in Los Angeles the whole time for Matthew Stafford.
I’ll talk to reporters on Monday after an eventful offseason. There, the Giants and Raiders chased him badly before they re-up with the Rams.
“There are so many positive things about our organization and team. I really didn’t want to leave. I’m happy that the Rams will get me back. We’re going forward and we’ll have a great season.”
After finishing their 10-7 regular season and division round playoff appearances, Los Angeles fell to the final Super Bowl Champion Eagles in a snowy 28-22 thriller.
The Rams gave permission from the Super Bowl-winning quarterback in February to talk to other clubs about his worth. That same month, it was reported that Stafford was seeking a new contract at a ballpark that costs $50 million per season.
There was a conversation between the Raiders and Giants, but a resolution was made in late February that the Rams and Stafford agreed to continue the union with an amended contract.
The Giants were discussing a $90 million-$100 million contract, Post’s Paul Schwartz confirmed at the time.
“I want to go back with the Rams was my number one priority,” Stafford, who made LA home with his wife, Kelly and four daughters, said Monday.
“I think the longer I play the game and the longer I play football, the more I understand between myself and the organization, what we see and what we want it to be.
This is not the first time Stafford has praised the Rams brass for how things unfolded.
A integral part of bringing Stafford to the Rams in 2021 following a huge hit trade with the Lions, coach Sean McVay had “great communication” with the team’s QB1 throughout the process.
“He and I know each other and we went through a lot together, so we had an adult conversation, and it was all positive and good, especially I know I’m very excited to be back.
“…We’re in a really good place and I’m happy to be able to play for the Rams for another season.”
The Rams are considering defending the NFC West title and do so with a new shiny toy during attack.
Not long after the Rams solidified things with Stafford, they signed a two-year contract with six-time Pro Bowl receiver Davante Adams.
Meanwhile, the Giants and Raiders pivot elsewhere after being spurred by Stafford.
Las Vegas traded with Seattle quarterback Geno Smith in March and reunited with a former second round pick with Pete Carroll, who coached him with the Seahawks.
The Giants added former Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson on a one-year contract with free agency. The team also agreed to a two-year agreement with Jameis Winston, their first previous pick.
It is widely speculated that the Giants will take a rookie quarterback when the 2025 NFL Draft begins later this week.
