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.