When the Rams and Stafford reworked his contract for 2024 last summer, only agreeing to a new structure on the eve of training camp in July, both sides understood that more work would need to be done for 2025. Stafford was due just $27 million, including a $4 million roster bonus, well below the market value for top quarterbacks.

"I think it's really kind of been a year-to-year thing. … As long as he wants to play," McVay said of being able to keep Stafford.

Rams coach Sean McVay says the team never got close to trading quarterback Matthew Stafford, but acknowledges the decision to move on from Cooper Kupp has been difficult.