Amount Matthew Stafford Declined Finally Revealed

Matthew Stafford chose to stay with the Los Angeles Rams on a reworked deal after exploring other options, and now we have a clearer picture of how much money he turned down.

Stafford and the Rams finalized a restructured contract last month after the 37-year-old quarterback was granted permission to talk with other teams. While details of the new deal remain unclear, he was originally set to earn just $23 million in 2025 with minimal guaranteed money.

Peter Schrager of FOX Sports discussed Stafford’s situation on the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, which aired Wednesday. He revealed that both the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders were seriously interested in Stafford and willing to offer a lucrative contract.

According to Schrager, the Giants were prepared to pay Stafford $15 million more per year than he will earn with the Rams.

“I think the trade package would have been — the Giants send their second-round pick, No. 34 overall, and the Rams include Stafford and a third-rounder,” Schrager said, via Jimmy Hascup of NJ.com.

“But Stafford would have to scrap his current deal and sign a massive contract, which would’ve paid him roughly $15 million more annually than what he’s now set to make with the Rams.”

A report last month indicated the Giants and Raiders were willing to guarantee Stafford $90 million. If that figure is accurate, his new deal with the Rams is likely worth around $30-35 million per year, though it probably includes a much larger guaranteed amount.

Stafford completed 65.8 percent of his passes for 3,762 yards and 20 touchdowns last season. The Rams won the NFC West and defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round.

Neither the Giants nor the Raiders were competitive last season, which likely influenced Stafford’s decision. At this stage of his career, he may be willing to take less money for a better shot at winning.