1 small detail puts Rams - Stafford contract renegotiation into perspective

The Rams want flexibility to pivot on a dime

On the flip side of the record, the team is well aware of Matthew Stafford's value, and injury history. While some quarterbacks throw the football away at the first sign of pressure, Stafford's style is to stand tall in the pocket and remain in position to throw a zinger to an open receiver for a long as possible. It's that competitive nature that allows Stafford to rally an offense to fourth-quarter comeback victories like no other.

But the Rams do not dicker. This is not a team to be trifled with. Ultimately, the Rams make their best offer with their first offer. How many times have fans anguished over a key contributor signing elsewhere to a contract that seems to be set at a reasonable price? The team simply deals up front, without a slush fund in the back to tempt players to stick around.

For this team, you either want to stay or you don't. If you do stay, and your performance warrants more compensation, they often agree to better terms for players. But if you don't perform to your contract level, you should have a suitcase packed. If you don't want to stay, or if money is the sole motivation for playing for the team, it's time to call the moving company.

Yes, Matthew Stafford has been injured of late. But for once, can you fault the team? Since 2022, the front office has invested draft picks and salary cap into bolstering the team's offensive line. Stafford was sacked 30 times in 2021, his phenomenal debut season with the Rams. In 2022, he played half the number of games, but was still sacked 30 times. But he was sacked 30 times in 2023, and only 28 times in 2024.

So the offensive line is not the problem, at least not in terms of allowing a swarm of defenders to bring Stafford to the ground.

Fans can't relish in the fact that the team may have been a play or two away from the NFC Championship Game this season, but the timetable was reset as soon as All-Pro Aaron Donald opted to retire. Sure, the team would love to earn another Super Bowl victory. But don't look for this team to sign blank checks to any player who simply demands more money.

This team has learned how committing too earnestly to pay elite players can demolish the future.

With a defense that roared to 16 quarterback sacks in two games in the NFL Playoffs in the year after DT Aaron Donald retired, how can fans fear the future of this team? The Rams front office, emboldened by their recent draft steals, have earned the right to play the draft market once more. As Dave Mason sang in 1977:

So let's leave it alone, (be)cause we can(no)t see eye to eye

There aint no good guy, there aint no bad guy

There(i)s only you and me and we just disagree

In the end, that may be the inevitable fate for the Rams and Matthew Stafford. Perhaps in the end there is no good guy or bad guy. There is only the fact that both sides disagree.

As always, thanks for reading.

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