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.

Sean McVay insists he never seriously thought his partnership with Matthew Stafford would come to an end this month after four seasons together with the Los Angeles Rams.