Rams’ Sean McVay suggests Matthew Stafford won’t retire this offseason
It sounds like Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford isn’t considering retirement ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.
“He’s doing real well. I think it’s been — and he’d be better equipped to answer this — but I think it’s been a long time since he’s been healthy through an offseason, where he’s been able to throw,” Rams head coach Sean McVay said of Stafford on Tuesday, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “I was just with him the other morning where he was in there early, working, being able to do the things that are in alignment with preparing for the season. But he’s doing really well.”
Stafford and the Rams agreed to a four-year extension last March reportedly worth $160M with $135M guaranteed following the Super Bowl LVI victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. The 35-year-old then dealt with an elbow issue throughout the summer, and he was later evaluated for concussions multiple times in November before he was shut down due to a spinal cord contusion.
Multiple individuals suggested during the fall that Stafford could retire rather than risk his long-term health by playing in 2023. Even after Stafford announced before Christmas he wasn’t retiring, insider Matthew Berry of NBC Sports Edge reported earlier this month he heard during the NFL combine that “retirement is still not out of the question” because the veteran “could barely throw last year.”
McVay indicated Stafford is among players ready to help the Rams bounce back from what became a disappointing 5-12 season.
“So, I think there’s a lot of guys on our team that will have a renewed sense of urgency and an appreciation for just getting back out and competing,” McVay added during his comments. “He’s certainly one of those guys and we’re a lot better football team with him going.”
According to ESPN stats, Stafford finished this past regular season 22nd among qualified players with a 50.3 adjusted QBR. In nine games, he tossed 10 touchdown passes and eight interceptions.
