Except that Stafford said himself that he’s already coming back…
So Snead and McVay have no say in the matter? I think they will be considerate as is their history. But they also must be pragmatic. I think for cap reasons Stafford stays the starter for as long as he lasts in 2023. But the cap allows the Rams to make a change in QBs in 2024. Stafford said he's coming back in 2023 with nothing said about beyond this year.
Ultimately the Rams decide who starts at QB1. The most troubling issue with Stafford is his tendonitis, which is a chronic issue. We saw it in the Super Bowl when he missed a wide open Jefferson in the end zone for the go ahead TD and he missed him badly. In another play, I forget what game it was, but he badly under threw a TD pass to Jefferson that was an INT. Last season Stafford only started 9 games and threw 10 TDs with 8 INTs. He went 3-6 in those games. Don't tell me he was okay last year.
Even without Mayfield, the Rams need to be preparing to have to make a change at QB1. I don't see Stafford playing every game for the next two seasons. He'd be lucky to play this coming season injury free. That is a bet I wouldn't take if I were Snead. IMO the Rams told Stafford if he is healthy he can be the starter this coming season. But what happens if he can't get medical clearance to play with his spinal contusion? What would the Ram's plan B be?
FA starts on 3/15 a week from tomorrow. Ramsey is likely to be a post June 1 designation. This is why Wagner and now Floyd will probably be released or traded to make cap room at the start of the new season. But we will know Jalen's trade info soon. As we will know Mayfield's decision as well.
All this just keeps the off season interesting. As fans all we can do is read tea leaves.