Matthew Stafford is just not able to go there but.
New addition Allen Robinson joined a Rams receiving corps that now contains Robinson, Cooper Kupp and Van Jefferson — with on-the-mend free agent Odell Beckham Jr. apparently nonetheless mulling a call about the place he'll play in 2022.
Stafford on Wednesday declined to say whether or not it was the NFL’s finest.
“Appears fairly good on paper,” the Rams quarterback mentioned throughout a videoconference with reporters. “It’s on us to go on the market and be sure that it involves life.”
It’s primarily on Stafford, who final week signed a four-year extension that may very well be value as a lot as $160 million, with $135 million assured.
Stafford was one of many major causes Robinson signed with the Tremendous Bowl-champion Rams, and he additionally was a giant think about offensive sort out Joe Noteboom’s and middle Brian Allen’s selections to re-sign with the staff.
“I recognize the way in which they really feel about me,” Stafford mentioned, “and the very best factor I can say is the sensation is mutual.”
Highlights from every of the gamers’ videoconferences:
It typically pays — in championships — to take much less: Tom Brady gained six Tremendous Bowl titles with the New England Patriots and one other with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers enjoying on offers that have been beneath his market worth.
And the quarterback market just lately has exploded. See: Aaron Rodgers extensions and Deshaun Watson contracts.
Now, $135 million is nothing to dismiss, even for billionaire proprietor Stan Kroenke, however after main the Rams to victory in Tremendous Bowl LVI, Stafford was positioned to interrupt the financial institution. Stafford, nonetheless, has earned a fortune throughout his 13-year profession — principally enjoying for unhealthy Detroit Lions groups — and acknowledged the worth of leaving room for the Rams to encompass him with expertise.
“I used to be simply looking for one thing that felt good for each side,” he mentioned, “and we have been in a position add proceed so as to add gamers, items round me and nonetheless care for all of the stuff that you just wish to care for.”
He got here for the tradition — and people passes: Robinson is an eight-year veteran and three-time 1,000-yard receiver.
How might he not be interested in enjoying for the defending Tremendous Bowl champion? In coach Sean McVay’s offense? With Stafford delivering passes?
“It was every little thing throughout the board that, as a veteran, that is the form of staff you wish to step into,” Robinson mentioned, including, “With them coming off a Tremendous Bowl and with the ability to make one other Tremendous Bowl run … that’s why I’m right here.”
Amongst different attributes, the 6-foot-2 Robinson is considered an elite jump-ball, contested-catch receiver, a participant able to making performs contained in the 20-yard line.
“His skill to go up and make catches over guys, round guys, no matter — it's actually particular,” Stafford mentioned. “However on the identical time, for a man his dimension, I believe he does an awesome job separating too. ... You get the very best of each worlds.”
So, Robinson is trying ahead to starting offseason exercises with Stafford in April.
“Simply watching Matt’s profession from afar, seeing all of the receivers he’s performed with and every little thing he’s been capable of assist his receiver accomplish … for me with the ability to form of step into that and construct that rapport, construct that relationship, that’s what I’m trying ahead to doing.”
Prepared for a beginning function: Noteboom labored because the retired left sort out Andrew Whitworth’s understudy for 4 seasons. Now he might be relied on to guard Stafford’s blind aspect full time.
Watching Whitworth ready him for the function, Noteboom mentioned.
“Being behind him, there’s not a greater scenario within the league,” Noteboom mentioned. “Sixteen-year vet, Walter Payton man of the 12 months. I imply, to step into his function — I had a blueprint for it for 4 years and I used to be watching his each transfer on and off the sector.
“In order that’s what provides me confidence.”
Focus: The prospect of free company was “positively somewhat extra disturbing than I assumed it was going to be,” Allen mentioned.
The Rams, and the prospect to proceed to play in McVay’s system with Stafford and acquainted teammates, was a snug match.
“I didn’t wish to go someplace and be in a scenario the place I didn’t have somebody like Matt to work with,” Allen mentioned, including, “That was behind my thoughts — he’d be a tough particular person to let know you have been leaving.
“So, positively excited to be again with him and proceed to develop our relationship and preserve getting higher collectively.”
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