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Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams face a different dynamic in contract talks this time around.

The Los Angeles Rams may have been aiming to protect themselves, but they are just as likely to have created–or perhaps even widened–a schism with Matthew Stafford.

Stafford, the reigning Most Valuable Player in the NFL, is playing on an outdated contract by NFL standards, and both he and the Rams have left the door open for multiple seasons together. Those discussions have taken on a new air following the Rams’ polarizing roster decision.

In the meantime, the Rams are making their feelings about Stafford quite clear.

Rams GM’s Comments Resurface Amid Matthew Stafford Uncertainty

Citing Rams general manager Les Snead’s recent comments about making “progress” with Stafford’s camp on an extension, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper noted the new dynamic that could alter future talks.

Stafford is in the final year of a two-year, $84 million contract.

For their part, though, LA posted a video of Stafford during voluntary workouts, saying, “We’ve missed this,” as contract negotiations presumably continue.

Popper ranked Stafford as his No. 1 tentative free agent of the 2027 class.

“Snead added he did not ‘expect any drama’ in the negotiations. That, of course, was before the Rams drafted Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 in the first round,” Popper wrote on May 6.

“The Rams added Simpson to be Stafford’s long-term successor. As coach Sean McVay said after the pick, Simpson’s ‘opportunity to be Matthew’s successor will be on Matthew’s terms.’ Still, as of now, Stafford is not under contract for 2027, and he is coming off perhaps the best season of his career. Stafford set a career high in passing touchdowns (46), led the league in passing yards (4,707) and won the MVP. Stafford will be entering his age-39 season in 2027.”

McVay has insisted that Stafford is ready to embrace Simpson, who previously praised but had not heard from his Super Bowl-winning teammate.

Simpson’s presence looms large over the Rams and Stafford.

Former Teammate Gets Honest About Matthew Stafford Amid Ty Simpson Pick

Stafford’s former Super Bowl teammate, Andrew Whitworth, has spoken candidly about his sense of the QB’s line of thinking.

Whitworth initially reiterated his joke about Stafford (and Simpson’s) golf game, but he also spoke about understanding the Rams’ decision. Moreover, Whitworth said that he expects Stafford to play as long as he wants, and for the Rams to be accommodating.

However, relaying a story about his Cincinnati Bengals days, Whitworth expects some fire, too.

“The reality is, that doesn’t do anything to Matthew Stafford,” Whitworth said on “The Rich Eisen Show” on May 6. “At the same time, two things can be true. Was I pissed off at the Cincinnati Bengals for drafting those guys? I was. Now, I still loved those guys up. The first thing they did when they arrived at Cincinnati was came to Big Whit’s house. I had them over for dinner, we got to visit, I mentored them. I was there for them to raise them up, just like anybody else. But it did not mean that I was very happy with Mike Brown and the organization.”

Whitworth said he does not expect Stafford to feel entitled and that the competitive friction from the Rams’ decision is “ok,” particularly in the context of football.