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The Rams signed veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo knowing he would not be able to play the first two games this season. They stuck with Stetson Bennett despite his being away from the team his rookie season.
The Rams and coach Sean McVay, a master of anticipation, did not see one thing coming, however: starting quarterback Matthew Stafford making a play for a contract adjustment.
Now, unless the Rams and Stafford have quietly resolved the issue, the Rams will welcome players to training camp Tuesday with a cloud not related to a marine layer hanging over their preseason workouts at Loyola Marymount.
Stafford, due to carry a salary-cap number of $49.5 million this season, participated in offseason workouts. Teammates and coaches said Stafford operated as usual and showed no signs he was distracted.
But for the first time since he joined the Rams in 2021, the veteran was not made available to reporters during the offseason program. His decision to avoid questions about his contract — despite McVay acknowledging a report that Stafford wanted more guaranteed money beyond this season — spoke volumes.
Read more: After mini (camp) previews, these are questions Rams must answer in training camp
McVay said in June he expected Stafford to be at training camp. There has been no obvious indication the 15-year veteran will fail to show — and incur mandatory $50,000-a-day fines.
Look for Garoppolo and Bennett to get plenty of reps as the Rams begin preparing to improve upon last season’s better-than-anticipated 10-7 record and playoff appearance.
When the Rams ended offseason workouts, McVay praised Garoppolo’s consistent approach and Bennett’s improvement.
“They’re taking steps in the right direction,” McVay said.
But where will they lead?
Read more: Rams wave goodbye to their Cal Lutheran era, say hello to camp at LMU
Garoppolo, who has a 43-20 career record as a starter, is suspended for games against the Detroit Lions and Arizona Cardinals for violating the…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/rams-open-camp-minus-matthew-100006201.html
Author : LA Times
Publish date : 2024-07-22 10:00:06
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