NFL Rumors: Matthew Stafford's New Rams Contract 'Could Go as High as' $45M Per Year

The Los Angeles Rams have made signing Matthew Stafford to an extension a priority this winter, and the deal could go as high as $45 million per year, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic.

The Rams are hoping for a contract that averages closer to $35 million annually, but multiple sources told Rodrigue that they would be surprised if it were less than 40 million per year.

Stafford has a $23 million cap hit for the final year of his contract, which is 13th among quarterbacks.

He exceeded expectations in his first year with the Rams after being traded from the Detroit Lions. Stafford led the team to a Super Bowl title in 2021.

He threw three touchdown in the come-from-behind win over Cincinnati to win the title.

Les Snead said last week that a new deal will be finalized before the start of next season, so the Rams must make sure he stays.

The average salary for top quarterbacks in the league is at least 40 million dollars per year, with Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, and Dak Prescott all earning at least that amount. Top young quarterbacks Lamar Jackson and Kyler Murray are eligible for extensions and could further shift the market.

Stafford is older than the others, which could result in a short-term deal. Many are expecting the new contract to last three or four years.

The key will be making it work, as the Rams already sit over the cap.