The Rams were all smiles Tuesday as they completed offseason workouts on a beautiful final afternoon in Thousand Oaks.
Everyone connected with the organization appeared upbeat.
But make no mistake: A pall hangs over the Rams and their sunny disposition as they enter a break before reporting to training camp at Loyola Marymount on July 23.
Does he anticipate that Stafford will report for the start of training camp?
“That’s my expectation,” McVay said.
How will McVay’s summer go with the Stafford situation hanging over his head?
“I’m just going to think about this every second,” he said sarcastically, adding. “I think, like I said, we’ll keep things internally.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with the way that he’s handled it. The way he’s led — been here every single day doing his thing and that sure means a lot to me.”
Quarterback Matthew Stafford went through the voluntary offseason workout program at odds with the Rams over his contract. Coach Sean McVay gave no indication Tuesday that the team and the 16th-year pro are close to finding common ground.
Asked after the workout if there was progress with the Stafford situation, McVay demurred.
“If you had to guess,” he said, “what would you say my answer is going to be?”
Stafford, 36, has three years remaining on the extension he signed in 2022 after leading the Rams to a Super Bowl title. He is due to carry a salary-cap number of $49.5 million this season, but does not have guaranteed salary in 2025 and 2026, according to Overthecap.com.
During the NFL draft, NFL Network reported that Stafford wanted his contract adjusted to include guaranteed salary beyond this season. McVay acknowledged the report the next day, though not the specifics of what Stafford desires.
