The Los Angeles Rams should use star quarterback Matthew Stafford’s option year for 2023 as well as his 2024 salary, according to whatESPN a appris.
The bonus option and 2024 salary will net Stafford a combined $62 million in guaranteed money. The Rams have until day three of the next annual season to keep Stafford in the lineup.
But Stafford, who has faced questions about a possible retirement after missing the Rams’ last seven games, will return for at least one more campaign under Sean McVay, who will also return in 2023.
McVay said at his season-ending press conference that he would take the time necessary to make a decision on his future, but the Rams announced Friday that he would remain head coach.
The Rams have had a difficult season with a 5-12 record – McVay’s worst campaign since joining Los Angeles in 2017 – as they have been plagued by multiple injuries including Stafford, Cooper Kupp and Aaron Donald.
Stafford, who turns 35 next month, finished the season on the injured list with a neck injury and also spent twice as long on concussion protocol. He recalled earlier this week that he wasn’t really thinking about retirement, despite struggling with injuries and feeling “comfortable and confident for the future”.
If they decide not to pick up the option, the Rams could have designated Stafford a post-June 1 cap casualty, which would have counted him $13.5 million against their salary cap in 2023 and an additional $36 million in 2024.
