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Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams had the attention of everyone around the NFL in February when the two sides were deciding whether they would stay together for another year. Stafford wasn’t a free agent, but like last offseason, he needed a contract adjustment to make his 2025 salary palatable for him and his family in L.A.
They ultimately got a deal done and while the final terms of his revision haven’t yet been finalized, he’s glad to be back with the Rams for another season.
“It's great to have that done and kind of out of the way as we get this thing going,” he said Monday. “Obviously, I’m happy that I'm going to be coming back and doing it again here, which is great.”
Before the Rams and Stafford agreed to a new deal, he explored the possibility of playing for another team. The Raiders and Giants were both interested in trading for Stafford, and both reportedly met his contract requests – even exceeding what he’s going to make in Los Angeles.
But in the end, Stafford wanted to remain with the team he won a Super Bowl with three years ago. He admitted this week that he “never really wanted to leave.”
“It wasn’t something that happened on that Friday during that meeting,” he said of what made him want to stay in L.A. “It’s not one thing that sits there and goes, ‘Hey, this is the reason. There's one thing that makes me want to come back.’ There are so many positive things about our organization and about our team. I never really wanted to leave. I’m just happy to be back and happy that the Rams want me back. We can move forward and hopefully have a great season.”
He didn’t deny that the possibility of being traded was real, saying that he was “looking around” during the process to see what would be best for him.
Several teams inquired and expressed interest in trading for Stafford, but staying with the Rams was always going to be the best outcome for both parties.
“I think anytime those kinds of things come up, you're doing due diligence and looking around,” he 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. Wanting to be back with the Rams was my number one priority and glad that worked out so I don't have to worry too much about it.”
Stafford and his teammates are back in the building for the start of the offseason program, something he’s excited about. He’s looking forward to a great season with new teammates, hopefully going further than the Rams did last year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams QB Matthew Stafford says he 'never really wanted to leave'
Continue reading...
They ultimately got a deal done and while the final terms of his revision haven’t yet been finalized, he’s glad to be back with the Rams for another season.
“It's great to have that done and kind of out of the way as we get this thing going,” he said Monday. “Obviously, I’m happy that I'm going to be coming back and doing it again here, which is great.”
Before the Rams and Stafford agreed to a new deal, he explored the possibility of playing for another team. The Raiders and Giants were both interested in trading for Stafford, and both reportedly met his contract requests – even exceeding what he’s going to make in Los Angeles.
But in the end, Stafford wanted to remain with the team he won a Super Bowl with three years ago. He admitted this week that he “never really wanted to leave.”
“It wasn’t something that happened on that Friday during that meeting,” he said of what made him want to stay in L.A. “It’s not one thing that sits there and goes, ‘Hey, this is the reason. There's one thing that makes me want to come back.’ There are so many positive things about our organization and about our team. I never really wanted to leave. I’m just happy to be back and happy that the Rams want me back. We can move forward and hopefully have a great season.”
He didn’t deny that the possibility of being traded was real, saying that he was “looking around” during the process to see what would be best for him.
Several teams inquired and expressed interest in trading for Stafford, but staying with the Rams was always going to be the best outcome for both parties.
“I think anytime those kinds of things come up, you're doing due diligence and looking around,” he 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. Wanting to be back with the Rams was my number one priority and glad that worked out so I don't have to worry too much about it.”
Stafford and his teammates are back in the building for the start of the offseason program, something he’s excited about. He’s looking forward to a great season with new teammates, hopefully going further than the Rams did last year.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams QB Matthew Stafford says he 'never really wanted to leave'
Continue reading...
