Inside the Article:
On Thursday afternoon, Los Angeles Rams GM Les Snead addressed rumors that the team is looking to trade quarterback Matthew Stafford. Despite a report by Michael Lombardi stating that the Rams would “love to trade” Stafford, Snead made it clear that the team intends to rely on Stafford as a key player moving forward. Stafford was traded to the Rams prior to the 2021 season and played a significant role in the team's Super Bowl victory that year. However, injuries cut short his 2022 campaign, leading the Rams to cycle through several backup quarterbacks.
Key Points:
- Rams GM Les Snead addressed rumors about trading quarterback Matthew Stafford
- Despite Stafford's significant cap number, Snead believes that his presence on the roster will allow the team to improve quickly rather than going through a lengthy rebuilding process.
- Snead emphasized the importance of key players like Stafford, Cooper Kupp, and Aaron Donald as “weight-bearing walls” for the franchise.
- The team may need to part ways with some veteran players and free agents to make necessary changes to the roster and get under the salary cap.
- Stafford's role as a foundation for the franchise will be crucial as the Rams look to move forward and improve on their disappointing 2022 season.
Why it Matters for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams
The Rams' 2022 season was disappointing, with a lack of depth and injuries to key players contributing to a 5-12 finish. As the team looks to rebound, Snead has emphasized the importance of Stafford as a foundation for the franchise. While the team will need to make changes to get under the salary cap, Snead has stated that Stafford is “definitely one of our pillars” and someone the Rams will rely on moving forward.
Stafford will come heap in 2023 but not so cheap in 2024
Stafford's cap number is significant, standing at $20 million in 2023 and ballooning to $49.5 million in 2024. However, Snead believes that Stafford's presence on the roster will allow the team to improve quickly rather than going through a lengthy rebuilding process. Snead has described the team's plans as a “remodel” rather than a “rebuild,” emphasizing the importance of key players like Stafford, wide receiver Cooper Kupp, and defensive tackle Aaron Donald as “weight-bearing walls” for the franchise.
The team may need to part ways with some veteran players and free agents to make necessary changes to the roster and get under the salary cap. However, Snead has emphasized that the team will continue building around Stafford and other key players to remain competitive. Stafford's role as a foundation for the franchise will be crucial as the Rams look to move forward and improve on their disappointing 2022 season.
Bottom Line: Les Snead says Matthew Stafford is not going anywhere
Rams GM Les Snead has made it clear that the team intends to rely on quarterback Matthew Stafford as a key player moving forward. Despite rumors that the team is looking to trade Stafford, Snead has described the team's plans as a “remodel” rather than a “rebuild,” emphasizing the importance of Stafford and other key players as “weight-bearing walls” for the franchise. As the Rams look to rebound from a disappointing 2022 season, Stafford's presence on the roster will be crucial in the team's efforts to remain competitive.
