In the NFL, nothing is finalized until it’s truly finalized. Now that quarterback Matthew Stafford’s new contract with the Rams is officially in place, it sets the stage for another round of speculation after this coming season about whether Stafford and the Rams will part ways.
Under the terms of the deal, Stafford will earn $44 million in 2025, but there are no guarantees beyond that—neither for injury nor otherwise.
The Rams have until the fifth day of the 2026 league year in March to decide whether to keep him, as that’s when his $40 million salary for that year becomes fully guaranteed. They also retain the right to trade him, since he’s under contract through 2026.
It remains unclear—and likely will remain so—whether there’s an informal agreement in place to release Stafford if he wishes to continue his career with another team. If he becomes a free agent without costing a team draft picks, his market value would rise, making him a more appealing signing.
Stafford reportedly could have secured a more lucrative deal—upwards of $90 million over two years—from teams like the Raiders or Giants. But he appears comfortable with a year-by-year approach in Los Angeles, confident that whether it’s the Rams or another franchise, someone will fairly compensate him in 2026.
From the Rams’ perspective, the deal is favorable. At an average of $42 million annually, Stafford ranks just 15th among NFL quarterbacks in pay, even though he arguably outperforms that ranking.
And unlike many starting quarterbacks, Stafford is willing to play without guaranteed money beyond the current season.
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