Welcome to our new message board system. We hope you enjoy the new features, and please post any issues or problems in the Help and Support forum. There are also several tutorial videos posted there to help you get familiar with some of the changes. Registration is required to post.https://ramsrule.com/herd/index.phpSat, 30 May 2026 09:42:51 -0400 Phorum 5.2.18 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1242062,1242062#msg-1242062 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1242062,1242062#msg-1242062Poll: Are you older or younger than Stafford?

My guess is that the vast majority of us are older. But let's see!]]> Shecky RamsFootballFans.comSat, 30 May 2026 09:33:21 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1242056,1242056#msg-1242056 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1242056,1242056#msg-1242056www.therams.com]]]> BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesSat, 30 May 2026 05:49:33 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1242055,1242055#msg-1242055 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1242055,1242055#msg-1242055www.therams.com]]]> BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesSat, 30 May 2026 05:31:28 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1242050,1242050#msg-1242050 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1242050,1242050#msg-1242050 BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesSat, 30 May 2026 05:23:16 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1242034,1242034#msg-1242034 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1242034,1242034#msg-1242034 Great Bordeni RamsFootballFans.comSat, 30 May 2026 07:10:36 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1242014,1242014#msg-1242014 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1242014,1242014#msg-1242014Poll: First Member of 2023 Draft Class to be Extended

Puka would have been the obvious answer before his off-the-field issues. Maybe he still is.

Who do you see being locked up first?]]> AvengerRam RamsFootballFans.comSat, 30 May 2026 09:30:05 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241971,1241971#msg-1241971 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241971,1241971#msg-1241971
Joe Montana
Steve Young
George Kittle
Jimmy G.
Primetime]]> Shecky RamsFootballFans.comFri, 29 May 2026 22:48:18 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241958,1241958#msg-1241958 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241958,1241958#msg-1241958www.si.com]]]> BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesSat, 30 May 2026 06:01:21 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241955,1241955#msg-1241955 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241955,1241955#msg-1241955 BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesFri, 29 May 2026 15:40:05 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241949,1241949#msg-1241949 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241949,1241949#msg-1241949



]]> GlacieRam RamsFootballFans.comThu, 28 May 2026 20:48:52 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241935,1241935#msg-1241935 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241935,1241935#msg-1241935
]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comFri, 29 May 2026 15:58:16 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241933,1241933#msg-1241933 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241933,1241933#msg-1241933
[attachment 15370 1.png]]]> Ramsdude RamsFootballFans.comSat, 30 May 2026 08:57:16 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241905,1241905#msg-1241905 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241905,1241905#msg-1241905
Like does he say Diggs would be a nice pick up (or whoever)

Really that's me lol]]> ScRAM RamsFootballFans.comThu, 28 May 2026 10:49:31 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241903,1241903#msg-1241903 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241903,1241903#msg-1241903overthecap.com]

[attachment 15367 Screenshot2026-05-27173446.png]


Here’s what I think they look like now based on the information in this article, assuming Stafford plays for the Rams in 2027. [theramswire.usatoday.com]

[attachment 15368 Screenshot2026-05-27174945.png]

The figures highlighted in yellow are new or have been changed by the extension.

The $5M roster bonus in 2027 is already guaranteed. I assume the Rams did this to give Stafford a raise for 2026 without affecting the 2026 cap.

That $45M salary in 2027 and the $5M roster bonus in 2028 become guaranteed in March, 2027. Stafford will basically play 2027 for $50M with the final $5M being paid in 2028.

Stafford has $5M in incentives in 2026: the league considers them Not Likely To Be Earned (NLTBE) so they are not included in the cap hit for 2026. However, if he earns all of them he will be paid for them as he earns them, and the cap hits will go against the 2027 cap, increasing that number from $59.6M to $64.6M

He also has $5M in incentives in 2027, they are also NLTBE, and therefore they are not reflected in these cap numbers. Again, if he earns all of them he will get paid as he earns them and they will count against the 2028 cap, making that figure $34M instead of $29M.

Here’s the math for that $29M cap hit in 2028: the prorated option bonuses in ’28, ’29, and ’30 all come due ($9.6M, $9.6M, and $4.8M respectively) along with that $5M roster bonus. Add up those 4 figures and you get $29M.

And if Stafford hung them up after the 2026 season and the Rams filed his paperwork before June 1, 2027 the cap situation would look like this:

[attachment 15369 Screenshot2026-05-27175457.png]

If the Rams filed Stafford's retirement papers before June 1, 2027 then all the prorated option bonuses from ’27 thru ’30 would come due along with the ’27 roster bonus for a total of $38.6M.

However, with a year left on Stafford's contract the Rams could wait until after June 1, 2027 to file those papers and spread out the cap hits. In this scenario only the '27 prorated option bonus and that $5M roster bonus would count against the '27 cap to the tune of $14.6M with the remaining $24M going against the '28 cap. (Yes, the Rams would still have dead money against the cap 2 years after Stafford's last year with the team, just like we saw after Aaron Donald retired.)]]> AlbaNY_Ram RamsFootballFans.comThu, 28 May 2026 11:18:48 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241901,1241901#msg-1241901 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241901,1241901#msg-1241901
[www.espn.com]

Best: Signing Jaylen Watson as part of the cornerback revolution. The Rams' cornerbacks were often found wanting in their losses a year ago. They made a big move, trading a first-round pick to the Chiefs for Trent McDuffie, who then signed a four-year, $124 million contract extension as the team's new top cornerback.

Given the terms, I might like the move to sign Watson for three years and $51 million more. Watson will make $34 million over the next two years, and while he doesn't have the inside-outside flexibility or playmaking ability at the line of scrimmage that McDuffie does, he is an excellent cover cornerback with plenty of experience in difficult situations behind those Steve Spagnuolo blitzes. Watson has allowed passer ratings of 75.4 and 79.0 over the past two seasons, and he posted a microscopic 1.5% missed tackle rate last year.

The Chiefs were perfectly comfortable with Watson covering the opposing team's top receiver at times in 2025. We saw big wideouts like A.J. Brown and Jaxon Smith-Njigba torment the Rams last season, and Watson's 6-foot-2 frame should help against those large targets in 2026. After the Rams played dime defense more often than any other team last season, the additions of McDuffie and Watson should allow them to play it even more this upcoming season.

Worst: Not adding more offensive line depth. There was consternation about the Rams not using the 13th pick to add another receiver, but I'm not sure that was really warranted. If the Rams are going to live in 13 personnel again in 2025, they should be covered with Puka Nacua and Davante Adams (and no receiver they drafted was going to be a suitable replacement for the former). They did draft another tight end in Max Klare, giving them five who might be active on game days between Klare, Colby Parkinson, Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson and Davis Allen.

When the Rams have struggled or disappointed, though, it has usually been because the O-line has been missing key contributors. Think about the team that fell apart in 2022 and how many linemen it was forced to turn to throughout the season. In 2024, the Eagles were able to attack center Beaux Limmer, who was forced into the lineup when the Jonah Jackson/Steve Avila positional switch didn't take. The entire 2025 NFL season might have turned on Justin Dedich taking a procedural penalty while filling in for the injured Kevin Dotson in Week 16, costing the Rams a touchdown early in their loss to the Seahawks that eventually decided the division and home-field advantage.

That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but the Rams do need offensive line depth, especially now that right tackle Rob Havenstein has retired. Coach Sean McVay will promote Warren McClendon Jr. to the starting role and used a third-round pick on Keagen Trost, but the Rams don't have a swing tackle they would trust for any length of time on the left side or a good backup guard. Finding the former might be tough, but adding a veteran guard between now and the start of the season would be a quietly important addition for a Rams team with championship aspirations.]]> 21Dog RamsFootballFans.comThu, 28 May 2026 14:47:33 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241897,1241897#msg-1241897 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241897,1241897#msg-1241897
Man.... you sure appreciate what this Rams team is now watching that.

Gurley as basically their only offensive weapon.

The WR corp of Britt, Quick and Austin... and brain surgeons Britt and Quick flipping their golf cart...

Case Keenum- a pro's pro. Underappreciated as an asset to every team he's played for.

The fact that they had a pretty solid defense. Donald coming into his prime, William Hayes, Quinn, Ogletree, Barron, McDonald, Trumaine Johnson, etc. Even if Hayes didn't believe dinosaurs were real (sigh).

But the offense scored only 23 TDs all season.....

Fisher saying in a team meeting, "I know what I'm doing!" in a way that sounded like he was trying to convince people. Seemed like a bad omen.

10 years ago......]]> LMU93 RamsFootballFans.comFri, 29 May 2026 10:49:42 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241895,1241895#msg-1241895 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241895,1241895#msg-1241895
The Philadelphia Eagles have a new offensive coordinator who is expected to run a Sean McVay-style offense and star Saquon Barkley wants to be as prepared as possible for Week 1, so he’s reaching out to former Rams running backs for advice. Namely, former Offensive Player of the Year Todd Gurley.

I think Todd is still a Rams fan? What if he helpss the Eagle excel against his old team?

BR poster the Turf Show Times article yesterday over at Chronicles.]]> Shecky RamsFootballFans.comThu, 28 May 2026 08:14:11 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241886,1241886#msg-1241886 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241886,1241886#msg-1241886 BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesThu, 28 May 2026 15:32:03 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241872,1241872#msg-1241872 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241872,1241872#msg-1241872overthecap.com].

[attachment 15364 Screenshot2026-05-27173446.png]


And here's what I think his cap hits will look like, assuming he plays in 2027, using the data available in this article: [theramswire.usatoday.com]

[attachment 15365 Screenshot2026-05-27174945.png]


The figures that are new or changed by the extension are highlighted in yellow.

The $5M roster bonus in 2027 is already guaranteed. That is essentially a raise for the 2026 season that won't be paid until next year, done like this I assume so they can give Stafford more money for the 2026 season without affecting the 2026 cap.

His $50M salary for 2027 and the $5M roster bonus in 2028 become guaranteed in March, 2027. If Stafford is still on the team at that time he will be guaranteed $55M for the 2027 season with the final $5M being paid in March, 2028.

Stafford has $5M in playoff incentives available to him in 2026 but since the league considers them Not Likely To Be Earned (NLTBE) there are currently no cap ramifications for them. However, if Stafford earns some or all of those incentives he will be paid for them as they are earned and they will go against the 2027 cap. So his 2027 cap hit could be $64.6M instead of the $59.6M shown.

Stafford also has $5M in playoff incentives available to him in 2027, also considered NLTBE, and if earned will boost his 2028 cap number to $34M instead of the $29M shown.

In case you were wondering how the 2028 cap hit is calculated: if Stafford hangs it up after the 2027 season then the pro rated option bonuses in '28, '29, and '30 all come due ($9.6M, $9.6M, and $4.8M) plus that 2028 roster bonus of $5M. Add up those 4 figures and you get $29M.

Checking the math: his cap hit for 2027 was $33.6M, his combined cap hits for '27 and '28 is now $88.6M. The increase is $55M, which is the value of his extension.

And if Stafford doesn't play in 2027? His 2027 cap hot goes up to $38.6M to include that $5M roster bonus (and it could go up to $43.6M if he earns all of his 2026 incentives).

(Doing the math: all the pro rated option bonuses from '26 thru '30 come due plus that roster bonus: $9.6M + $9.6M + $9.6M + $4.8M + $5M = $38.6M)

[attachment 15366 Screenshot2026-05-27175457.png]]]> AlbaNY_Ram RamsFootballFans.comWed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241871,1241871#msg-1241871 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241871,1241871#msg-1241871overthecap.com].

[attachment 15361 Screenshot2026-05-27173446.png]


And here's what I think his cap hits will look like, assuming he plays in 2027, using the data available in this article: [theramswire.usatoday.com]

[attachment 15362 Screenshot2026-05-27174945.png]


The figures that are new or changed by the extension are highlighted in yellow.

The $5M roster bonus in 2027 is already guaranteed. That is essentially a raise for the 2026 season that won't be paid until next year, done like this I assume so they can give Stafford more money for the 2026 season without affecting the 2026 cap.

His $50M salary for 2027 and the $5M roster bonus in 2028 become guaranteed in March, 2027. If Stafford is still on the team at that time he will be guaranteed $55M for the 2027 season with the final $5M being paid in March, 2028.

Stafford has $5M in playoff incentives available to him in 2026 but since the league considers them Not Likely To Be Earned (NLTBE) there is currently no cap ramifications for them. However, if Stafford earns some or all of those incentives he will be paid for them as they are earned and they will go against the 2027 cap. So his 2027 cap hit could be $64.6M instead of the $59.6M shown.

Stafford also has $5M in playoff incentives available to him in 2027, also considered NLTBE, and if earned will boost his 2028 cap number to $34M instead of the $29M shown.

In case you were wondering how the 2028 cap hit is calculated: if Stafford hangs it up after the 2027 season then the pro rated option bonuses in '28, '29, and '30 all come due ($9.6M, $9.6M, and $4.8M) plus that 2028 roster bonus of $5M. Add up those 4 figures and you get $29M.

Checking the math: his cap hit for 2027 was $33.6M, his combined cap hits for '27 and '28 is now $88.6M. The increase is $55M, which is the value of his extension.

And if Stafford doesn't play in 2027? His 2027 cap hot goes up to $38.6M to include that $5M roster bonus (and it could go up to $43.6M if he earns all of his 2026 incentives).

(Doing the math: all the pro rated option bonuses from '26 thru '30 come due plus that roster bonus: $9.6M + $9.6M + $9.6M + $4.8M + $5M = $38.6M)

[attachment 15363 Screenshot2026-05-27175457.png]]]> AlbaNY_Ram RamsFootballFans.comWed, 31 Dec 1969 19:00:00 -0500 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241864,1241864#msg-1241864 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241864,1241864#msg-1241864
]]> RamBill RamsFootballFans.comWed, 27 May 2026 15:51:35 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241849,1241849#msg-1241849 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241849,1241849#msg-1241849 ScRAM RamsFootballFans.comFri, 29 May 2026 10:47:16 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1241848,1241848#msg-1241848 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1241848,1241848#msg-1241848 SeattleRam Bucky's PubFri, 29 May 2026 21:16:50 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241844,1241844#msg-1241844 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241844,1241844#msg-1241844 Rampage2k RamsFootballFans.comWed, 27 May 2026 13:13:36 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241831,1241831#msg-1241831 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241831,1241831#msg-1241831
Their premise was "look how many teams have so many TEs on their camp roster - that's because of the advent of 12 personnel sets."

In going through their list of teams, they noted that the Rams have 8 TEs on their camp roster, and how that was surprising because the Rams only ran 12 personnel 9.58% of the time (30th in the league) last year. They then added that 13 personnel isn't really a viable system, so they weren't going to focus on that strategy.

I WAS LITERALLY YELLING AT THE RADIO!!!

Um... yeah. The Rams didn't run a ton of 12 personnel because they used 13 personnel 30.48% of the time (more than twice the frequency of any other team in the league). And, I'd saw it was pretty viable, given that the Rams lead the NFL in yards/game and points/game.

So ignorant, and so lazy!

The Rams are the trendsetters here, and if other teams are becoming TE-centric, it's because they say how successful the Rams were last year.

Maybe I should just listen to music in my car.]]> AvengerRam RamsFootballFans.comSat, 30 May 2026 03:30:49 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241829,1241829#msg-1241829 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241829,1241829#msg-1241829
Matthew Stafford gets a $5 million raise, and the Rams get control of his rights through 2027
link


By
Mike Florio



Published May 27, 2026 10:34 AM

When the first details of a new contract emerge, they usually lack key details and context. That’s because key details and context often don’t look as good as the broad-brush, big-picture numbers that are spoon-fed to those who then post the numbers on social media without asking questions.

In time, the details and context inevitably come to light.

With the Rams and Matthew Stafford, the more important detail is this: Stafford gets a $5 million raise in 2026, and the Rams get control of his rights in 2027 through a currently non-guaranteed compensation package.

Albert Breer of SI posted the details on Tuesday. Stafford’s base pay for 2026 has increased from $40 million to $45 million, with another $5 million in playoff incentives available. The extra $5 million comes in the form of a guaranteed roster bonus due in 2028.

Stafford is also due to make $45 million in 2027. But none of the money is currently guaranteed. As of March 2027, the payment becomes fully guaranteed. (The 2027 season also includes another $5 million in playoff incentives.)

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network has added other details regarding the incentive package ($2.5 million for winning the NFC Championship and $2.5 million for winning the Super Bowl) and a phony $100 million compensation package for 2028, which becomes guaranteed on the 10th day of the league year.

Ultimately, Stafford accepted the $5 million raise in base pay in lieu of embracing the possibility of becoming a free agent in 2027. The Rams, in exchange for the extra $5 million, have secured the ability to decide after 2026 whether to keep Stafford — with Stafford not having the ability to leave for another team.

If Stafford would decide to move on after 2026, the Rams surely wouldn’t force him to stay. But the Rams would be in position to receive trade compensation for Stafford, if he decides it’s time to play elsewhere.

The deeper message is that Stafford likely has no desire to play for another team. He had the chance last year to leave for the Raiders or the Giants, and he took less to stay with the Rams.

So if he’s never going to play for another team, why not accept an extra $5 million (with a Super Bowl win unlocking $5 million more) in exchange for a one-way commitment through 2027? He has the freedom to retire after the upcoming season, and at this point it appears that his year-to-year options are to play for the Rams or not play at all.]]> Ramsdude RamsFootballFans.comThu, 28 May 2026 13:50:59 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241822,1241822#msg-1241822 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?19,1241822,1241822#msg-1241822 Shecky RamsFootballFans.comThu, 28 May 2026 08:46:19 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241821,1241821#msg-1241821 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241821,1241821#msg-1241821
[ramblinfan.com]

Bret Stuter

images%2FImagnImages%2Fproduction%2F54%2F01ksjtxhqtfs7ecw1c1q.jpg

Is he a running back? Quarterback? Tight end? Well, based on his $45k signing bonus, the Los Angeles Rams may view undrafted rookie Dan Villari as all of the above. Despite the roster bursting with tight end talent, LA felt Villari was too valuable to risk losing to another team. And his signing bonus is second only to cornerback Josh Wallace.

Wallace earned a roster spot:


Dan Villari is just one of eight tight ends entering the 2026 Rams training camp. But he may be one of the most uniquely talented players in the Horns. No other tight end on the roster has experience at quarterback like Villari. Curiously, he was a quarterback for the Michigan Wolverines in 2021, the same year that running back Blake Corum began his push to the NFL.

While there is little hope for Villari to be a signifcant contributor as a traditional tight end for Los Angeles in 2026, he opens a new chapter for this tight-end-centric offense. In essence, he could be deployed as a receiver, a blocker, a big running back, or even as a wildcat quarterback. And that is something that NFL defenses will have no way to stop.

Dan Villari could become LA Rams transformer

While the LA Rams have enough tight ends on the roster for two NFL rosters, Dan Villari offers versatility to amplify the impact of the offense's renewed interest in tight ends. In 2025, the team topped scoring by mixing in tight ends into red zone plays. The result?

A tight end room that struggled to score three touchdowns in 2024 exploded with 17 touchdowns in 2025. But LA anticipates defenses will learn how to counter their offensive innovations in 2026.

The logical solution could be as simple as adding another variable in 2026. Imagine a direct snap to Villari, who stands 6-foot-4 and weighs 243 pounds. Villari can pass or run to the end zone. And defenses are simply not prepared to defend those options.

The magic of innovation is challenging defenses with unexpected looks. Even if Villari is not used frequently on game day, his presence will force defenses to practice defending a tight end who can throw a pass or run with the football.

It may be nothing. This may merely be a small wrinkle to the offense. But this is one more tool in the toolbox for LA's offensive brain trust. Of course, Villari has to earn a spot on the roster. If that happens, fans are in for a treat this season.

As always, thanks for reading.

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]]> Rams_43 Rams ChroniclesWed, 27 May 2026 15:35:51 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241812,1241812#msg-1241812 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?23,1241812,1241812#msg-1241812 BerendsenRam Rams ChroniclesWed, 27 May 2026 15:45:57 -0400 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1241768,1241768#msg-1241768 https://ramsrule.com/herd/read.php?4,1241768,1241768#msg-1241768






]]> SeattleRam Bucky's PubTue, 26 May 2026 10:37:18 -0400