Latest news with #MatthewStafford
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
An Arch Manning succession target for the Rams is very realistic with Matthew Stafford's clock ticking
LOS ANGELES — Day two of an unanticipated Matthew Stafford watch brought a slight perception regression for the Los Angeles Rams. The sun was shining at Loyola Marymount University and practice was running at a brisk pace. But in a twist, quarterback Matthew Stafford was neither working to the side on Wednesday, nor surveying drills and aiding the other quarterbacks who were taking all of the day two snaps. In fact, he wasn't on hand at all. To the alarmists, who continue to be haunted by the elbow soreness that scuttled Stafford's season in 2022 and rolled over the Rams with it, it's hard not to wonder if his unforeseen back soreness is being underplayed by the franchise. Or if it might be something that's getting worse rather than better, with Stafford's absence being a flag that speaks more authoritatively than the franchise's brain trust's assurance that this is all ok … all part of the plan … all just a measurement in the larger vantage. 'He was working with the training staff,' Rams head coach Sean McVay said Wednesday. 'To be out here on his feet — could he be out here? Yeah, but what's more beneficial for him? I probably should have been a little bit more specific as to [what] working on the side [meant] — maybe working in the tents, things like that. So that was according to plan. I kind of misspoke [Tuesday] as far as 'working out onto the side'.' Speaking to Yahoo Sports, McVay reiterated that there has always been a plan in place to work Stafford in slowly in 2025, keeping an eye on later in the season rather than overburdening him with early work that isn't necessary at this point in his career. 'This isn't anything new,' McVay told Yahoo Sports. 'It's just one of those things that at the early parts of camp we were going to monitor and restrict his workload anyway — really for the mental and physical aspects of it. That made it easy to say, 'F—k that, the first five-day acclimation period we're not even in pads, it's not even real football right now.' It's the right thing to do for him, number one, and for our team.' Contrary to any anxieties, it doesn't resonate as damage control by McVay. Instead, it screams an element of management by the Rams brass, trying to deal with back soreness from Stafford that wasn't anticipated. A development that, as one team source told Yahoo Sports, happened when Stafford was traveling on vacation in recent weeks with his family prior to the opening of camp. The kind of thing that can develop when you have a 37-year old quarterback who already has a history of different health issues, including concerns with his back. Realistically, everyone believes — including inside the Rams — that Stafford is deeply into the sunset portion of his NFL career. So much so, there's a feeling inside the franchise that if the Rams win a Super Bowl title this season, Stafford is going to use that opportunity to retire, a la John Elway with the Denver Broncos in 1999, after he'd secured the second Super Bowl title that would ensure he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer. According to a team source, even Stafford himself has joked with staff that the Rams acquiring a second first round pick in the 2026 draft from the Atlanta Falcons is a sign that the Los Angeles brass expect him to hang it up after the 2025 season. But does that mean that the Rams are also exploring Stafford replacements? It's a question that is at least a little complicated. First and foremost, Stafford is still operating inside a Super Bowl window open for the Rams. The leadership both in the coaching staff and front office is steadfast in his ability — if fully healthy — to lead Los Angeles to one more title in the next two seasons. That said, it's clear there is a fixed vantage on the horizon, with Rams decision makers knowing the next offseason is where they have to start moving toward a succession plan. Most likely toward a very young player who can grow with McVay and spend an elongated period attached at the hip. One prominent name that surfaces inside this ideology is Texas quarterback Arch Manning, who some believe will end up being the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft following his 2025 season — if he actually chooses to leave college before his senior year in 2026. Manning is tied to the Rams for a very obvious reason: Les Snead's stepson Tate is known to be a close friend of Arch Manning, and Snead himself was seen chatting up Arch Manning at the Texas pro day prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. But it goes deeper than that. Speaking to a handful of Rams personnel sources, Manning is — at this moment — considered by the staff to be the lone tier one quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, regardless of who else could potentially enter into the selection process. Why? The Rams covet Manning's prototypical size and throwing acumen … but also believe it's his level of athleticism that sets him apart from from every other college football quarterback. So much so, the comparison for Manning inside the franchise is that his ceiling after the 2025 college football season could be a Josh Allen-type of prospect who is actually stronger physically and a faster running athlete than Allen was when he entered the draft in 2018. That's some pretty significant praise from a team that's going to need a quarterback sooner rather than later. Could it change with Arch Manning's performance in the 2025 college football season? Certainly. But his No. 1 perch atop the college football ranks of quarterbacks is absolutely where the Rams evaluate him right now. And they may have the ammunition to make a run at Manning in the 2026 class if he declares, thanks to a boatload of draft picks that include two first rounders in the 2026 draft. Interestingly, a high-ranking Rams source told Yahoo Sports that even if Stafford were to choose to return to the team in 2026, the Rams would — at this point — still lean into drafting Manning (if he were gettable) and then put him on ice for his rookie season, similar to the Kansas City Chiefs keeping Patrick Mahomes on the bench behind Alex Smith in 2017. The source added that the franchise believes Stafford would be open to such a scenario, knowing that 2027 will almost certainly be his last season in the NFL, regardless of what transpires during the course of the regular season and playoffs. For now, there are more moving parts than a Swiss watch when it comes to the Rams' succession plan. But the reality remains that they're thinking about it in a very real and tangible way. And maybe moreso than ever, with Stafford once again sidelined with health issues.
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ndamukong Suh believes he should have been paid more in Detroit than Matthew Stafford
One of the better defensive linemen in not only recent Lions history, but recent NFL history, Ndamukong Suh recently announced his retirement after 13 seasons, having been out of the league since playing part of the 2022 season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Not long after his retirement, Suh is making headlines again, following a recent quote that has generated some buzz. Suh was looking back at his first free agency and, sharing on his Facebook page, said he believed he should have been paid more by the Lions than quarterback Matthew Stafford, feeling like he wasn't valued as much by the Lions. "Detroit, in my opinion, when I first came out, really gave me the short end of the stick," Suh said, via CBS Sports. "I should have been paid more than Matthew Stafford, because I was the next first-round pick for them coming out in the draft and I felt like I was going to be a cornerstone for them, but they didn't value me enough to say, 'Hey, you're not going to get paid more than our quarterback...'" Suh captioned the Facebook post with the following: I was a cornerstone of the Detroit Lions, just like Stafford, just like Calvin, but the pay never matched the weight I carried. I wasn't just a defensive tackle. I was the guy offenses game-planned for. I was the one of the guys setting the tone in the locker room and on the field. And while quarterbacks get the big checks, I was the one putting my body on the line every play, chasing down QBs. They built the offense around him,They built the identity of the defense around the Dline and me! You don't talk about the Lions of that era without mentioning Calvin Johnson or Matthew Stafford, myself and our Dline! So yeah… I believed I should've been paid like them, Because impact isn't just about stats, it's about presence, influence, folks wanting to play with you and for you ! Lesson… If you're carrying the load, on the field or in business, don't be afraid to ask for what you're worth. Because being valuable and being valued are two different things!!!! In five seasons with the Lions, Suh started 78 games in the regular season (all but two), recording 238 tackles and 36 sacks. He even had an interception his rookie season. He was named Defensive Rookie of the Year, went to the Pro Bowl four times and was a three-time First-team All-Pro while in Detroit. Ultimately, the Lions did not pay him, as Stafford and Calvin Johnson were first in line for extensions, having both been drafted before Suh (Stafford in 2009, Johnson in 2007). Suh would sign a six-year, $114 million deal with the Miami Dolphins before the 2015 season. Suh would also go on to play for the Los Angeles Rams (2018), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2019-2021) and Philadelphia Eagles (2022).
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rams training camp: Live updates from Day 1 of practice
The Los Angeles Rams are off and running in training camp, holding their first practice at Loyola Marymount University on Wednesday afternoon. Players arrived on campus Tuesday and got right to work one day later, hitting the field for the start of the acclimation period. The Rams will be at LMU for almost two full weeks and although Matthew Stafford will miss the first portion of practices due to some back soreness, other stars such as Davante Adams and Puka Nacua are ready to put on a show for fans. Follow below for all the latest news and highlights from Day 1 of training camp. Davante Adams at his first Rams camp Jimmy Garoppolo getting loose Sean McVay and Davante Adams getting ready The scene at LMU Jared Verse taking the field with his teammates Kyren Williams catching some passes in warmups Practice setting This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp: News, highlights and updates from Day 1
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rams open training camp: Analyzing their biggest concerns
Sean McVay has led the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, one championship and six playoff appearances. Now, as he prepares for his ninth season, the 39-year-old coach once again has a team regarded as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The roster includes experience — quarterback Matthew Stafford is entering his 17th season — and young stars such as receiver Puka Nacua and edge rusher Jared Verse, the 2024 NFL defensive rookie of the year. 'I love the natural, just zest and the joy that this group has,' McVay said this week as players reported for training camp at Loyola Marymount. After Stafford and the Rams agreed to terms on a contract adjustment last spring, general manager Les Snead provided McVay and Stafford with a bonus of sorts by signing receiver Davante Adams. The three-time All-Pro joins Nacua, receiver Tutu Atwell, running back Kyren Williams and tight ends Tyler Higbee and Terrance Ferguson to give the offense multiple weapons. Snead also signed center Coleman Shelton — a member of the Rams' Super Bowl LVI championship team — and defensive lineman Poona Ford. Ford will bolster a front that includes Verse, edge rusher Byron Young and tackles Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske, among others. 'We are stacked,' Williams said. Which is not to say that McVay, Snead and the Rams do not have concerns. Here are five issues to watch as the Rams prepare for their Sept. 7 opener against the Houston Texans: How sore is Matthew Stafford's back? Stafford, 37, will not participate in team drills during the first week of workouts because of back soreness. According to McVay: No big deal. And it might not be. Yet any time the most important player on the team is sidelined, it cannot be passed off as a non-issue, especially if the problem persists. Stafford is already among the top 10 all-time in several NFL career passing categories, and he needs only 191 yards passing to reach 60,000. Veteran backup Jimmy Garoppolo will take first-team reps during the first week of practices. Can the offensive tackles adequately protect the quarterback? In March, the Rams awarded left tackle Alaric Jackson a three-year contract that includes $35 million in guarantees. Three months later, McVay announced that Jackson was dealing with blood-clot issues in his legs for the second time in his career. The Rams quickly signed veteran D.J. Humphries to fill the void. Jackson reported to training camp, but McVay gave no timeline for when he might be cleared to fully participate or play. Humphries, 31, made the Pro Bowl with the Arizona Cardinals in 2021, but he suffered a major knee injury near the end of the 2023 season. In 2024, Humphries signed with the Kansas City Chiefs but played in only two games. Right tackle Rob Havenstein, 33, had surgery on both shoulders after last season. The 10-year veteran said he would not be limited during camp. Third-year pro Warren McClendon Jr. and veteran David Quessenberry are other tackles on the roster. Should Snead have signed a cornerback? With an improving pass rush led by Verse, the Rams stood pat during free agency and the draft, deciding not to add a cornerback. Darious Williams, 32, and Ahkello Witherspoon, 30, are the projected starters with Cobie Durant and Emmanuel Forbes Jr. expected to play large roles for a position group that also includes Derion Kendrick and Josh Wallace, among others. The Rams believe Forbes, a 2023 first-round pick by the Washington Commanders, has taken a major leap since they claimed him off waivers last December. The Rams are hoping to avoid the disaster that was last year's training camp: Kendrick suffered a season-ending knee injury during the first workout, Williams a significant hamstring injury during the second. Will Rams and Kyren Williams reach agreement on an extension? Williams is scheduled to earn $5.4 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract, according to The Rams and Drew Rosenhaus, Williams' agent, negotiated throughout the offseason, and they were scheduled to meet again Wednesday, McVay said. Williams has rushed for at least 1,100 yards in each of the last two seasons and scored 31 touchdowns in that span. The Rams would like to keep him beyond this season, but at what price? The Rams have not signed a running back to an extension since they awarded Todd Gurley a then-record deal in 2018. Which rookies will establish themselves as potential contributors? Ferguson, a second-round draft pick from Oregon, is expected to play a major role and eventually supplant Higbee. Josaiah Stewart will work into the edge rushing rotation with Verse and Young. Running back Jarquez Hunter and Blake Corum will back up Williams, Ty Hamilton could bolster the defensive line, and linebacker Chris 'Pooh' Paul Jr. and receiver Konata Mumpfield will compete for roles in their position groups and special teams. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Fox News
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Fox News
Expect A Shiftier Puka Nacua As He Takes On Larger Role For Rams In Year 3
Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua is already one of the league's best when it comes to making highlight-reel-worthy contested catches on a weekly basis. Now, it's time for him to level up in Year 3. "I would say definitely movement off the line of scrimmage," Nacua told me on what he's worked on this offseason. "The opportunity to work with Davante Adams, if you can get off with a clean release it makes the play work a lot better. So, I would say Coach [Sean] McVay would like how I'm moving at the line of scrimmage. "But also, just to clean up the picture for Matthew Stafford. His ability to put the ball anywhere gives me a lot of confidence that I can run a route and put my foot in the ground anywhere and know that I'm going to be in the right spot. So, the lateral quickness and the ability to move people – whether it's at the line of scrimmage or at the top of the route – has been something that I've been trying to work on." Nacua, who spoke with me courtesy of Gatorade as he welcomed the Gatorade National Players of the Year in an event in Los Angeles last week, has already proven in his young career that when he wants to improve one area of his game, he does so. The BYU product finished with 13 drops during a historic rookie season in 2023, in which he set an NFL rookie record at that time with 105 receptions for 1,486 yards and six touchdowns. After that impressive season, Nacua worked on improving the consistency of his hands and had only one drop in 2024. While Nacua improved in that area of his game, he dealt with injuries during the 2024 season. He was slowed by a knee injury suffered during training camp, missing five games, but still finished with 79 catches for 990 yards and three touchdowns. As he looks to be more elusive in 2025, Nacua said he has benefited from having the 32-year-old Adams on the roster and learning from one of the best route runners in the NFL. "His ability to take care of himself and the preparation is very awesome to watch," Nacua said about Adams. "And it gives you a blueprint to follow for the rest of my career. You've seen Cooper Kupp do it and Davante Adams do it now, and it's super cool. His change of pace on the football field is something you don't see from a lot of receivers, so it makes it super fun because after practice, when you watch the tape, you're seeing some bodies fall all over the field. And it's because of No. 17." Even though he's no longer teammates with Kupp (who was released by the Rams and signed with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason), Nacua and Kupp still worked out together this offseason in Los Angeles. Nacua said he appreciates the two remaining close and credits the Eastern Washington product for the productive start to his career with the Rams. "I know he was probably a little upset when I said we ran routes, and he didn't end up showing up at the facility," Nacua joked about Kupp. "So, it's probably something that we're both still getting used to, but it's been such a blessing that we built a relationship off the field as well. "And to be able to see his boys coming around at our workouts and hanging out with him. To be able to talk ball again and check in on him. He's been someone who's helped me in my career. He was right next to me from the moment I stepped into the NFL, so it was someone I enjoy picking up the phone and calling him." Despite the fact that he's produced at an elite level, Nacua still considers himself as the same guy who was drafted by the Rams with the last pick in the fifth round at No. 177 overall in 2023. And even with the departure of one of the strongest voices in the receiver room in Kupp, Nacua said he'll continue to lean on more veteran voices on the team like Rob Havenstein, Tyler Higbee, Stafford and Adams to lead the offense. "I definitely want to be the best and I'm chasing every opportunity when I go out there," Nacua said. "And I want every ball to come my way, as a receiver should say. But I know that I'm going to go out there and just do whatever the coach asks me to do because that's what I'm prepared to do." That said, Nacua does expect improved physicality from L.A.'s offense. McVay said during the offseason that he would like his offense to be more adaptable and versatile for the upcoming season. Part of that means running the ball more consistently. The Rams averaged 104 rushing yards a contest during the regular season last year, which was 24th in the NFL. Even worse, Los Angeles averaged 3.92 rushing yards per play, which was 31st in the league. "For me there's something I love about the game of football, and that's the physicality," Nacua said. "I've mentioned his name a couple times because I see him twice a year, and that's Nick Bosa. When you have an opportunity to block a guy like that, or you get to run a route against Jalen Ramsey or Darius Slay or whoever the corner might be, it makes Sundays really fun. "I enjoy Coach McVay's ability to put guys in different spots and put us in the right place on the football field to succeed. It makes the game of football really fun. Matthew Stafford doesn't miss any opportunity to let the football fly. So, we're going to be all over the place. People are going to be moving around and it's going to look like a well-organized show when the Rams are on offense." Eric D. Williams has reported on the NFL for more than a decade, covering the Los Angeles Rams for Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Chargers for ESPN and the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma News Tribune. Follow him on X at @eric_d_williams. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily!
