Sean McVay Decision Will Not Impact Matthew Stafford's Rams Return Plan
The shadow of head coach Sean McVay's potential retirement will continue to hang over the Los Angeles Rams franchise and its future plans until a decision is made.
However, one thing it will not affect, is Matthew Stafford's status with the franchise, with the star quarterback and captain telling reporters on Monday that he intends to return in 2023 regardless of McVay's decision.
The 34-year-old had already announced his return last month.
Stafford, of course, is particularly close with McVay and primarily came to Los Angeles because of his belief in him as a coach.
He was so confident in McVay, in fact, that he signed a four-year $160 million extension with $57 million guaranteed last march.
Despite that, the Rams had a dreadful 2022 Super Bowl defense, finish 5-12, and with Stafford missing a good portion of the season due to various injuries, including both an elbow issue and a spinal contusion.
Still, Stafford feels good about his health heading into the offseason, and eventually, OTAs.
“I feel really good about where I’m at," Stafford said of his health. “I had obviously the thumb a couple of years ago, and then elbow stuff that I wasn’t able to really participate in a whole lot of stuff when it comes to throwing the football for a long time,” Stafford said. “So to be able to do that at a way more regular pace, which is exciting for me as a player, that’s what I want to do. I want to be out there, I want to be able to throw and be a part of the team and do all that kind of stuff, so that’s exciting for me.”
Stafford finished the 2022 season completing 206 of 303 passes for 2,087 yards and 10 touchdowns with eight interceptions in nine games.
He was also sacked 29 times in those nine games, which was the 16th most in the NFL, despite him missing nearly half the season.
You can follow Matt Galatzan on Twitter @MattGalatzan
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