McVay expects Stafford at camp, mum on contract

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — While Sean McVay did not want to get into specifics on quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s contract situation, the Los Angeles Rams head coach said he does expect Stafford to report for the start of training camp in late July.

Earlier this offseason, McVay acknowledged an NFL Network report that Stafford wanted more guaranteed money on his contract, but since then he has reiterated that he wants to keep any discussions “in-house.”

Stafford signed a four-year, $160 million contract extension in March 2022, but according to Over the Cap, his salary is not guaranteed after the 2024 season.

As the Rams wrapped up their offseason program on Tuesday, McVay focused on the fact that Stafford took part in OTAs and minicamp instead of choosing to stay away from the facility.

“I couldn’t be more impressed with the way he’s handled it, the way that he’s led,” McVay said. “[He’s] been here every single day doing his thing, and that sure means a lot to me.”

Stafford threw for 3,965 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games last season. He was a finalist for The Associated Press Comeback Player of the Year award a season after a spinal cord contusion and time in the concussion protocol limited him to nine games.

Last month, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur said he hasn’t noticed any difference in Stafford due to his desire for a new contract.

“When he’s in the meeting room, when he’s on the field, he’s super positive,” LaFleur said. “He’s the same Matthew that I met a year ago. [The] cool part for me is [the contract discussions are] above my pay grade in terms of what happens next with all that. I know they’re doing things the right way and we’ll go from there.”