Matthew Stafford Trade Talk 'Flattering,' Rams 'Unanimous' in Decision
The Los Angeles Rams are searching for a playoff rebound this season, and it appears that they believe quarterback Matthew Stafford is the guy to get them there.
Per head coach Sean McVay, despite rumors about Stafford's future with the franchise - and with multiple suitors reaching out in regards to a trade this offseason - the team was unanimous in their decision to keep the 35-year-old.
"There was a consistent and unanimous dialogue and understanding," McVay said. "When that March deadline came in terms of him being due the bonus that he's deserved and that he's earned, we were all in unanimous agreement that we wanted him to be the quarterback."
Stafford signed a four-year $160 million extension last year, that is set to keep him in Los Angeles through the 2026 season.
And though he is aware of the rumors surrounding a potential move, he is happy with his situation with the Rams, and unphased by the advances of other franchises,
“I see it as flattering, I guess, that other teams would reach out and want me to come play for them,” Stafford said Wednesday. “I just know that I’m really happy where I am, playing for this team, playing for this coach and these fans.”
Stafford of course is coming off of an extremely frustrating season in 2022, in which the Rams finished 5-12, and he played in just nine games due to various injuries, including a spinal contusion.
In those nine outings, Stafford struggled behind a patchwork offensive line as well, completing 68 percent of his passes for 2,087 yards and 10 touchdowns with eight interceptions.
Luckily for the Rams, Stafford is entering training camp feeling as healthy as he has in quite some time.
"I feel a lot better," Stafford said. "Physically, I feel really healthy compared to where I was at this point last year, so that's fun for me. I was able to get the work in that I want to get in coming into this. And that makes it a whole lot more fun for me and just excited to be out here."
And the idea of a healthy Stafford has McVay extremely excited for the team's chances this fall.
"I know I can certainly speak for all of us and say we're excited as hell about Matthew Stafford," McVay said. "It's been great to see him feeling good, and I'm certainly really glad he's our quarterback, and that's where we're at."
You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan
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