Los Angeles Rams sign Matthew Stafford to one-year $55m extension
Reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford has signed a one-year contract extension with the Los Angeles Rams worth up to $60m, tying him to the franchise through the 2027 season.
The new agreement guarantees the 38-year-old a base figure of $55m and places him firmly among the highest-paid players in his position.
It leaves the veteran quarterback with a total of $105m remaining on his current deal in California.
The franchise officially announced the renewal on Thursday but declined to disclose specific financial terms.
Drafting a successor and chasing history
This significant pay rise arrives during an off-season where Los Angeles selected highly-rated prospect Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Simpson is widely viewed as the eventual heir to the starting role at SoFi Stadium.
However, the incumbent starter has cemented his immediate future after producing a spectacular career-best campaign.
The former Super Bowl winner led the league last season with 4,707 passing yards and threw 46 touchdowns alongside just eight interceptions to claim his first MVP award.
Super Bowl ambitions on home soil
Speculation had recently mounted regarding a potential retirement ahead of his 18th professional season.
Those rumours were swiftly dispelled by the seasoned playmaker when collecting his MVP honours in February.
“I’ll see you guys next year.”
“Hopefully, I’m not at this event and we’re getting ready for another game at SoFi.”
The upcoming Super Bowl will be hosted at the Rams’ home stadium, mirroring their triumphant 2021 championship run on the very same turf.
The experienced signal-caller will celebrate his 39th birthday just one week before that showpiece event.
He currently sits sixth on the all-time NFL passing list with 64,516 regular-season yards, trailing Aaron Rodgers by a mere 1,758 yards.