The Raiders’ Bid for Matthew Stafford
The Las Vegas Raiders were desperate to secure quarterback Matthew Stafford, recognizing his potential to elevate their offense and take the team to new heights. The team made a compelling pitch, throwing everything they had into the pursuit. However, despite their best efforts, the Raiders were ultimately unsuccessful in their bid to bring Stafford to Las Vegas. In a similar vein, the New York Giants also showed interest in Stafford, but their attempts were similarly rebuffed. Both teams, however, played a crucial role in Stafford’s negotiations with the Rams, providing him with leverage to demand a higher salary.
The Financial Incentives
According to a report from The Athletic, the Raiders were willing to offer Stafford a two-year deal in the range of $90 million to $100 million. This would have translated to an average annual salary of $45 million to $50 million, a figure that is undoubtedly eye-catching for any quarterback. The Giants, while not as vocal, were likely prepared to offer a comparable package. These substantial offers highlighted Stafford’s market value and put pressure on the Rams to match or exceed these figures to retain him. On Friday’s "PFT Live," the discussion revolved around the idea that a second-round pick might have been enough for the Rams to consider trading Stafford. This suggested that the Rams were not entirely averse to letting him go if the right offer came their way.
Stafford’s Decision to Stay
Despite the lucrative offers from the Raiders and Giants, Stafford ultimately decided to remain with the Los Angeles Rams. The specifics of his new deal have not yet been disclosed, but it’s clear that he and his agents negotiated hard to secure better terms. Stafford has two years left on his current contract, with a base salary of $27 million in 2025 and $31 million in 2026, totaling $58 million and averaging $29 million per year. Given the market value established by his potential suitors, the Rams will likely increase his compensation over the next two years, possibly through voidable years or other cap management strategies. This decision to stay with the Rams demonstrates Stafford’s commitment to the team and his belief in their ability to contend for championships.
Comparing Stafford’s Contract to Jared Goff’s
Stafford’s decision to stay with the Rams raises an interesting comparison with his former teammate, Jared Goff. Goff recently signed a massive contract with the Detroit Lions, securing an average of $53 million per year. Stafford, who has a proven track record of success and led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory, has every right to want a deal that reflects his value. The Raiders and Giants’ offers, ranging from $45 million to $50 million per year, indicate that Stafford is highly sought after and likely feels he deserves more than his current salary. Whether the new deal will include performance-based incentives to bridge the gap with Goff’s contract or simply add more non-guaranteed salary in future years, remains to be seen.
Strategies for Increasing Compensation
The Raiders and Giants’ interest in Stafford provided him with significant leverage in negotiations with the Rams. While the specifics of his new contract are still unknown, it’s probable that the deal will include various mechanisms to increase his compensation. Performance-based incentives are a common tool used in such negotiations, allowing players to earn more if they meet certain benchmarks. For Stafford, these could include passing yards, touchdowns, or team performance metrics. Additionally, the Rams might add voidable years to his contract, which can spread out the cap hit and make the deal appear more lucrative on paper. These strategies are often employed to satisfy both the player’s financial demands and the team’s cap constraints.
The Future in L.A.
Four years after his trade from Detroit to Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford is firmly planted as the Rams’ quarterback. His decision to stay with the team, even in the face of enticing offers, suggests a strong belief in the organization and the potential for continued success. The exact financial details of his new deal will be closely watched by both fans and analysts, as they will provide insight into the Rams’ priorities and their investment in Stafford. For now, the Raiders and Giants’ pursuit of Stafford has only highlighted his value, and the Rams will benefit from retaining one of the NFL’s most talented and driven quarterbacks. The impact of this decision on the Rams’ future, both on and off the field, will be significant, and the results of their continued investment in Stafford will be evident in the coming seasons.
