Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is still on track to close out his career with the Los Angeles Rams, even after the team’s surprise pick of quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of the NFL draft.
The Rams used the No. 13 overall pick on the Alabama quarterback, who is now expected to sit behind Stafford while he develops. Though the pick caused a stir, an NFL insider reported that the team is on the same page regarding Stafford’s place atop the depth chart and even working on a long-term extension.
Matthew Stafford Working on Contract Extension
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport shared some details about Stafford’s next move, saying he and the team are still in lock step on the plan for the immediate future.
In an appearance on NFL Network on Friday, Rapoport said Stafford and the Rams have not deterred from their plans to keep Stafford for the next season at the least. He noted that head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead are both on the same page that Stafford is their starting quarterback.
Rapoport added that the team is still working toward a contract extension that would cover Stafford through however many years remain in his career.
“They are in lock step, as basically they have been over the last decade or so,” Rapoport said. “This is really about understanding the Matthew Stafford part of this, that this is Stafford’s team, which McVay made very clear. This is Stafford’s team for the present and future, and to go forward with that, and to go further with that, the Rams and Stafford are deep in discussions on a contract extension that would take care of this year and beyond. They think there’s a real chance he plays beyond 2026.”
Lions Plan for Jared Goff’s Future
While the Rams are looking to jump back into Super Bowl contention next season, the Lions are hoping to rebound after missing the playoffs for the first time in three seasons. The team made a big investment in Jared Goff, the other end of the blockbuster trade that sent Stafford to the Rams in 2021.
The Lions selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller with the No. 17 overall pick, filling a major need after Taylor Decker’s departure this offseason.
Lions general manager Brad Holmes said he was excited to land Miller, who is expected to start at right tackle as Penei Sewell moves to the left side.
“I mean, look, he’s going to be a good starting tackle already,” Holmes said late Friday night. “Like you got high conviction of that. But there’s no telling where this can go. Because, again, I can’t say it enough. Me and our our assistant general manager Ray Agnew were talking about just how much we’ve been watching him and how better he’s gotten. He’s gotten stronger. His technique’s gotten better. His hands have gotten better. Whether it’s run game, pass game, all of that, I think there’s a lot of growth left in him.”
Ex-Lions QB Matthew Stafford Planning Next Move After Ty Simpson Pick