Rams biggest question at mandatory minicamp is a potential problem

The last of the Rams' offseason schedule – mandatory minicamp – is coming to a close this week, which means the long six-week wait until training camp begins is right around the corner.

Six weeks is a long time to sit, wait, and think about everything that could go wrong with the Rams this year. Aaron Donald's gone! Braden Fiske and Jared Verse better be ready for major roles! Matt Stafford's arm is mere moments away from exploding!

Fortunately, when it comes to finding a topic that'll keep Rams fans up at night, ESPN isn't making us wait. They published a team-by-team "offseason storylines" type piece this week, and their Rams blurb is both unsurprising and also extremely stressful. (Maybe extremely is a bit much.)

Rams biggest question at mandatory minicamp is a potential problem

Biggest issue: Matt Stafford's contract status

"Last week, Rams coach Sean McVay said he didn't have an update on whether there had been progress on a new contract or extension for the quarterback, saying, "We're just keeping everything internal." McVay did say he expects Stafford, who has participated in the Rams' voluntary work this spring, to be at minicamp. Two years ago, the Rams reworked defensive tackle Aaron Donald's contract right before minicamp, but typically they get contract extensions done during training camp or right before the start of the season."

On one hand, uncertainty around the starting QB is never ever a good thing. If something goes south, it's up to [checks notes] Jimmy Garoppolo and Stetson Bennett to keep the Rams treading water. On the other hand, this issue sounds more procedural than anything else. I'm not sure there's anyone out there who expects the two sides to drop the ball on this? Once training camp comes and goes without a new deal done, then we can all panic about Stafford. Until then, let's panic about everything else.