LA Rams tried ‘with great difficulty’ to TRADE Super Bowl-winning QB Matthew Stafford this offseason, claims former NFL manager
The Los Angeles Rams reportedly attempted to trade starting quarterback Matthew Stafford earlier this season before paying his $59 million in bonuses, according to former NFL executive Michael Lombardi.
However, the Rams’ general manager Les Snead was seemingly unsuccessful when the 2022 Super Bowl champion picked up their signal caller’s 2023 option bonus and 2024 salary.
“When his option bonus was about to kick in, they tried with great difficulty to trade it – any team could have had it,” Lombardi said on The Pat McAfee Show.
“The problem was you had to absorb the $59 million, and the Rams knew there was no way around the $59 million. They couldn’t avoid it unless they traded it and someone else took it.’
Stafford is currently under contract until 2026 after signing a four-year, $160 million contract extension last year.
NFL insider Michael Lombardi has alleged that the LA Rams tried to trade QB Matthew Stafford
Stafford owed $59 million in bonuses earlier this offseason that LA hoped to avoid paying
He played in nine games last season and struggled with persistent problems before being eliminated
The 35-year-old QB struggled last season after dealing with an ongoing elbow problem and eventually being sidelined for the season after suffering a spinal contusion.
He recorded 2,087 yards, 10 touchdowns and eight interceptions as the team limped through its nine starts with a 3–6 record.
Stafford’s numbers were a far cry from his numbers from the previous season, as he led the Rams to a Super Bowl Trophy after throwing for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 17 ints.
He is reportedly back to full health and is trying to lead the team back to playing key games late in the season after LA missed the playoffs and looked like a team ready for a rebuild.
“There will be no restrictions,” said Rams head coach Sean McVay Sports illustrated. “It’ll be ready to roll.”
“Last year there was such a unique combination and collaboration of things that prevented him from playing the way he can.
“So I think there are a lot of guys on our team who will have a renewed sense of urgency. He’s definitely one of those guys and we’re going to have a much better football team with him.’
Follow MailSport on Threads here: https://www.threads.net/@mailsport