Both the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders were prepared to offer the veteran quarterback over $100 million across the next two seasons. But in the end, Stafford chose comfort, loyalty, and his life in Southern California over a massive payday.
Instead of starting over with a new team, he accepted a two-year, $84 million deal to remain with the Los Angeles Rams.
Why Stafford Said No to the Giants and Raiders
The Rams had given Stafford’s camp permission to explore trade and contract options earlier this offseason, essentially letting the market help define his worth. That market proved lucrative. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, both the Raiders and Giants were “willing to exceed $100 million” to land the Super Bowl champion.
And yet, Stafford declined. Why? He never wanted to leave. As Breer put it, L.A. gambled that Stafford would value his family’s life in Los Angeles and his working relationship with head coach Sean McVay more than another monster deal. They were right.
The #Rams and QB Matthew Stafford have finally finalized the terms on his new contract, sources say, as the deal negotiated during the NFL Combine is now official.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 5, 2025
Stafford will earn $44M this year, with $4M already paid and the other $40M fully guaranteed. pic.twitter.com/L9Udyo46Al
Stafford’s restructured Rams contract will pay him $44 million in 2025 and potentially another $40 million in 2026, assuming he remains on the roster next spring. That’s $26 million more than he was originally set to make under his previous deal—but still about $20 million less than he could’ve gotten elsewhere.
A Legacy Decision for a Quarterback Nearing the End
At 37, Stafford’s focus is clearly on stability and chasing one more ring, not maximizing his final contract. He’s already the second-highest-paid player in NFL history with over $364 million in career earnings.
𝗥𝗨𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗦: Both the Raiders and Giants were willing to offer QB Matthew Stafford more than $100 million over the next two seasons.
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 6, 2025
Stafford instead agreed to a two-year, $84 million deal with the Rams.
(via @SInow) pic.twitter.com/IT26mCjIx9
Passing on more money from rebuilding teams like the Giants and Raiders shows where his priorities lie. McVay, who reportedly hopes Stafford sticks around “a couple more years,” now has his guy locked in for at least one more run.
And for Stafford, staying with the Rams—rather than chasing an extra $20 million—might end up being the decision that defines the twilight of his career.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
