Matthew Stafford’s Contract Resolution
The Los Angeles Rams faced a significant challenge during the offseason as they navigated through contract negotiations with their veteran quarterback, Matthew Stafford. Despite a successful season, Stafford’s contract issues prompted the Rams to take action to free up financial resources. While the team narrowly missed a Super Bowl run in the previous season, they entered the offseason with the belief that they were just a few key pieces away from achieving that goal in the upcoming season.
Stafford’s Durability and Impact
One of Stafford’s most commendable attributes is his remarkable durability. Throughout his 16-season career in the National Football League, he has consistently started in at least 16 games in 12 of those seasons. Even in the most recent season, Stafford only missed a single game, which happened to be the season finale after the Rams had already secured the NFC West title. This exceptional durability has left little room for any other quarterback to step in, a situation that has undoubtedly pleased the Rams.
Jimmy Garoppolo’s Role as Backup
With Stafford’s stronghold on the starting position, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has found himself in a backup role. Despite limited playing time, Garoppolo has diligently prepared himself to be ready whenever the Rams might need him to fill in for Stafford during a game. In a crucial game against the Seattle Seahawks, where the Rams were missing several key starters, Garoppolo showcased his capabilities by completing 27 of his 41 pass attempts in a narrow 30-25 loss.
McVay’s Appreciation for Garoppolo
Rams head coach Sean McVay has expressed his desire to retain Garoppolo for the upcoming season, recognizing the value of having a competent backup quarterback on the roster. McVay emphasized the importance of Garoppolo’s presence in the quarterback room, working alongside Stafford and the coaching staff. Despite potential external interest in Garoppolo, McVay’s preference is clear – he would welcome Garoppolo back to the team without hesitation.
By addressing Stafford’s contract concerns and solidifying their backup quarterback situation with the reliable Jimmy Garoppolo, the Rams are strategically positioning themselves for a successful Super Bowl push in the upcoming season. As the team continues to fine-tune their roster, the synergy between Stafford and Garoppolo could prove to be a pivotal factor in their quest for football glory.
