As expected, the Los Angeles Rams and Matthew Stafford hammered out a new contract this month, just as they have in each of the last two offseasons. Stafford was already signed through 2026 and committed to playing this season, but the two sides wanted to keep the door open for the reigning MVP to return in 2027.
That’s exactly what this new contract does.
It was reported as a one-year, $55 million extension, and on Tuesday, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated shared the finer details of Stafford’s deal.
According to Breer, Stafford will get a $5 million raise this year, going from earning $40 million to $45 million. That comes in the form of $40 million base pay, plus a $5 million roster bonus that’s “guaranteed and due early next year, meaning it’s basically a bonus for this year that’s paid next year.”
Additionally, he can earn another $5 million with playoff incentives, putting the max earnings in 2026 to $50 million.
For 2027, his base pay will be $45 million, with another $5 million roster bonus being paid out in March of 2028, essentially making it a deferred payment like this year’s bonus, according to Breer, because none of it is guaranteed right now. And like 2026, he also has $5 million in playoff incentives available for 2027, too.
It’s not as if the Rams gave Stafford $55 million guaranteed for 2027, because that would essentially ensure that he’s planning to play next year. If his 2027 money were guaranteed, it would become dead money on the Rams’ books in the event that Stafford retires.
This structure simply keeps the door open for him to keep playing at around $50 million in 2027, plus another $5 million in playoff incentives. In no way does it lock Stafford in as the Rams’ quarterback next year.
It’s a smart deal for both sides. They shouldn’t have to change this contract much next year if Stafford continues playing, and Stafford can make a decision about his future knowing he can easily return to the team he’s already won a Super Bowl with. No free agency, no major negotiations.
This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Full details of Matthew Stafford’s new deal: Rams give MVP a raise in 2026
Reporting by Cameron DaSilva, Rams Wire / Rams Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
