Stafford's new deal 'makes sense for all parties'
Kyle Dvorchak reacts to the news of Matthew Stafford agreeing to a one-year deal with the Rams and explains how the deal's structure leaves room all parties to win - except for 2026 first-round QB Ty Simpson.
Video Transcript
Matthew Stafford reportedly agreed to a one-year contract extension worth up to $60 million with the LA Rams.
Stafford, of course, was under contract through the 2026 season.
He was, however, set to hit free agency next off-season.
Now he's under contract through 2027.
He will hit free agency in 2028.
I think the implication here of this short-term arrangement is that he probably, at least most likely, retires after the 2027 season.
His $50 million in 2027 becomes fully guaranteed on the first day of the next league year in 2027.
For those crunching some numbers at home, that difference of 60 million versus 50 million next year is 10 million total.
That's five million in incentives based on the playoffs, and he just got an extra five million this year.
On a surface level, it makes sense for all parties involved.
Stafford's coming off an MVP season, led the NFL in passing yards with just over 4,700, gets 46 passing touchdowns, and a strong postseason showing, even if they didn't end up even making it to the Super Bowl.
I think at his age, a short-term arrangement which keeps him around on a rolling one-year basis until he chooses to retire actually makes a lot of sense.
Zooming out a little bit, though, it is a little bit weird when you take into context that they just drafted Ty Simpson with their only first-round pick.
They initially had two first-round picks.
They traded one away.
They spent the other one on a long-term approach quarterback who now will probably not start for at least half of his rookie contract before factoring in that fifth-year option.
To me, this contract, of course, just absolutely locks in Stafford not only as the starter for 2026, but kind of has to do so for 2027 as well.
If you're looking at a fantasy approach, I think he's on that QB 1.2 borderline.
From a dynasty perspective, 'cause in redraft, we really don't care too much about Ty Simpson, this deal, on the other hand, does make Ty Simpson an even less appealing super flex or even just standard dynasty option.
