Oct 16, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) calls a play at the line of scrimmage during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Los Angeles Rams
(Los Angeles, LA) — So much for loyalty.
Ex-NFL executive Michael Lombardi was on Friday’s “The Pat McAfee Show” and revealed that the Los Angeles Rams tried to deal away Matthew Stafford before the league new year in September.
You know Stafford: the guy who started on their 2022 Super Bowl-winning team.
“When his option bonus was getting ready to kick in, they attempted, with a lot of effort, to trade him—any team could have had him,” Lombardi said.
However, Rams general manager Les Snead was unsuccessful in trying to deal him, and ultimately picked up Stafford’s 2023 option bonus and 2024 salary.
“The problem was, you had to absorb the $59 million, and the Rams knew there was no way around the $59 million,” Lombardi said. “They couldn’t get around it unless they traded him and somebody else took it.”
Despite an obviously great 2021-2022, 2022-23 campaign was different for Stafford: he was rattled with injuries and eventually sidelined after nine games.
He is reportedly entering 2023-24 at full health, looking to lead the Rams back into playoff competition after missing the postseason last year.
“There will be no limitations. He’ll be ready to roll, ” Rams head coach Sean McVay told Sports Illustrated. “Last year there was such a unique combination and collaboration of things that prevented him from being able to play the way that he’s capable of.”
The Rams open the season on Sept. 10 against the Seahawks.
