WOODLAND HILLS – Rams general manager Les Snead held a video conference with reporters Wednesday, one week out from the start of free agency and the 2025 NFL league year.
Here are some of the top takeaways from that session, including his thoughts on quarterback Matthew Stafford agreeing to terms on a contract adjustment, where things stand with wide receiver Cooper Kupp, how the scouting staff is handling director of scouting strategy James Gladstone's departure and more.
Stafford return "very impactful result," but still "probably would approach it ASAP" when it comes to adding long-term successor
Describing it as "the renewal of vows," Snead was pleased the Rams were able to agree to terms with their QB1 on a contract adjustment that will keep him with the team.
"These partnerships between quarterback and NFL franchise... there's definitely a lot of parameters that are involved, and there's trade-offs. And over the years as you go through them, there's some wear and tear. But through the process, the neat thing is, once we sat down, it was very obvious that we all wanted to continue the partnership and continue chasing some form of greatness together, and that's exactly the conclusion that we got to, and we're jacked that it got to that point."
In terms of planning for the future at the position, head coach Sean McVay on Friday said it will be a year-to-year approach with Stafford, who will ultimately decide when he feels it's time to be done.
Still, when asked how the team will approach the quarterback position this year and beyond, Snead said "we probably would approach it ASAP" when it comes to adding a long-term potential incoming quarterback.
Kupp return not ruled out, but "the least likely" scenario
While Snead didn't rule out a return for Kupp, he said Wednesday that was "the least likely" scenario and that the team is seeking a trade partner for him.
Kupp has a roster bonus due next week, and Snead said "that roster date does weigh a good bit in the algorithm of the formula that we're working through."
Gladstone taking Jaguars GM job "sweet but bitter," collective effort to take on his responsibilities
Former director of scouting strategy James Gladstone was hired as the Jaguars' next general manager this offseason, leaving a big void on the scouting staff. Gladstone had a big role in connecting the scouting staff together and articulating the team's vision for the roster to them, as well as what they wanted to accomplish "in the missions of each phase" of their process.
Snead said it will be a "collective" effort to pick up the responsibilities Gladstone previously had.
