Did Sean McVay’s return to the Rams inspire quarterback Matthew Stafford to stay?

It’s not often you see a team go from Super Bowl winner to embarrassing in just a single season, but that’s what the Rams managed after failing to qualify for the post season. With many expecting a clear-out, it’s interesting to see that the team has opted for stability in the face of adversity rather than drastic change. Their quarterback’s extension is testament to that fact.

Matthew Stafford commits as Sean McVay returns

For a moment there, it looked as though the Los Angeles Rams were heading for a rebuild, but with head coach Sean McVay dispelling any speculation about possible retirement and making it clear that he will return, the team can also count on their quarterback. According to reports, The Rams are now set to retain starter Matthew Stafford for at least one more season. It is also understood that the franchise intends to guarantee a combined $62 million due to the signal-caller over the next two years.

The details of Matthew Stafford’s deal

As we all know, Stafford was a key part of the Rams team that won the Super Bowl back in February and it was his first season with the team. Sadly, this most recent campaign was not nearly as stellar with Los Angeles failing to clinch a playoff spot and worse yet, Stafford was sidelined for the last seven games of the season due to injury. As things stand, he is under contract through 2026 after signing a four-year, $160M extension during the last offseason.

It’s worth noting, however, that there would have been no shock if the Rams had designated him as a post-June 1st release this offseason, in an effort to fast forward the process of change. Indeed, there would have been a 2023 roster bonus of $31 million, as well as a 2024 base salary of $31 million which would have been fully guaranteed on the third day of the league year this March. Ultimately, the gang is getting back together and with that one can only hope that the renewed relationship between team and quarterback will bear fruit. It also couldn’t hurt, if the Rams can maintain better health this coming season, with the likes of Joe Noteboom and star wide receiver Kooper Kupp missing the majority of the season. Where Stafford himself was concerned, the signal caller missed time on two separate occasions due to a concussion, before finally succumbing to a spinal cord contusion.

Did Sean McVay’s decision have an effect on Matthew Stafford?

It’s interesting to note, that Stafford has taken questions on many occasions about his possible retirement, albeit to then state that he would be returning in 2023. Yet, given the season the Rams just had it’s quite likely he did give it some thought. That’s where Sean McVay comes in. In 2021 - their first year together - Stafford found himself in the MVP conversation with a more than impressive career high 41 touchdown passes. Could it be that the return of his coach inspired him to stay? While we can’t say for sure, we imagine it didn’t hurt.