Things got tense this offseason between veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams this offseason. At one point, it seemed more likely than not that Stafford would be in a new uniform this season.
Eventually, the sides agreed to a deal that is going to keep the veteran with the franchise where he won his first and only Super Bowl. Stafford was recently asked what made him decide to ultimately return.
“It wasn’t something that happened on that Friday during that meeting,” Stafford said, according to Pro Football Talk. “It’s not one thing that sits there and goes, ‘Hey, this is the reason. There’s one thing that makes me want to come back.’
“There are so many positive things about our organization and about our team. I never really wanted to leave. I’m just happy to be back and happy that the Rams want me back. We can move forward and hopefully have a great season.”
As of three weeks ago, Stafford has not officially signed, but he’s still speaking as if everything is a done deal.
“It’s great to have that done and kind of out of the way as we get this thing going,” Stafford said. “Obviously, I’m happy that I’m going to be coming back and doing it again here, which is great.”
Stafford did admit that he was seriously exploring other options, but that ultimately, he’s glad to be back with the franchise.
“I think anytime those kinds of things come up, you’re doing due diligence and looking around,” Stafford said. “I’m a fan of the NFL. I know a lot of these coaches, a lot of the players, a lot of the teams, and some of their situations.
“You poke your head around and see what’s going on. Wanting to be back with the Rams was my number one priority, and glad that worked out, so I don’t have to worry too much about it.
“I’m happy to be back and happy that we have agreed to do this thing again,” Stafford said. “I think the longer that I’m in the game and the longer that I’m playing football, there’s an understanding between myself and the organization on what we want that to look like and what we want that to be. That has been great, communication-wise, with those guys.”
