All signs point to the Los Angeles Rams making another playoff run with star quarterback Matthew … More
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The Los Angeles Rams aren’t seeking a franchise quarterback in this week’s NFL Draft, thanks to Matthew Stafford agreeing to one more Super Bowl run.
The Rams, who have the 26th pick in the first round, went round-and-round with Stafford in the offseason. It mimicked the drama both parties endured a year ago, except this time a resolution was reached prior to, and not after, the draft.
Stafford agreed to basically a one-year deal, but not before his representatives were given permission to seek a suitable partner in a trade. When no team came forward to Stafford’s liking, and the same being said regarding a potential compensation package, he returned to the squad he led to the Super Bowl 56 title.
“There are so many positive things about our organization and about our team,’’ Stafford told reporters as L.A. kicked off its spring workouts on Monday. “I never really wanted to leave.’’
But Stafford, who’s entering the 17th season of a career which will land him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, wanted to be compensated at the market rate. So while Stafford wasn’t a free agent, it was clear from both sides that his contract needed to be brought current.
According to Spotrac.com, Stafford’s estimated one-year deal includes a $23 million base salary, with another $16 million in bonuses.
“I’m just happy to be back and happy that the Rams want me back,’’ Stafford said. “We can move forward and hopefully have a great season.’’
The Rams are coming off one in which they won the NFC West with a 10-7 record and gave the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles quite a battle in a divisional playoff loss.
L.A. knew it was so close to making a deeper run, one that was fueled by Stafford, who threw for 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions in the regular season. He played his best during the season’s most critical moments.
That made Stafford’s return so significant, despite him being 37 years old. The Rams don’t have a viable replacement on the roster, weren’t enthralled with the free-agent market and where they are drafting, selecting and expecting a quarterback to lead them to the Super Bowl was far-fetched.
Not so with Stafford back, even if he seriously considered other possibilities.
“You’re doing due diligence and looking around,’’ Stafford said. “I’m a fan of the NFL. I know a lot of these coaches, a lot of the players, a lot of the teams and some of their situations. You poke your head around and see what’s going on.’’
Stafford decided to stay put.
“Wanting to be back with the Rams was my No. 1 priority and glad that (it) worked out,’’ he said. “So I don’t have to worry too much about it.’’
