Rams GM Les Snead’s future will depend on his decisions regarding Stafford and Kupp.

As the Los Angeles Rams continue to navigate the changing dynamics of the NFL, all eyes are on General Manager Les Snead and the pivotal decisions he faces regarding two of the team’s most important players: quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. The future of the Rams hinges on how Snead handles these two key figures, both of whom have been integral to the franchise’s success in recent seasons. With the Rams coming off a challenging season, Snead’s decisions could shape the team’s trajectory for years to come.

Since taking over as GM in 2012, Snead has been at the forefront of some of the most significant moves in Rams history, including the trade for Stafford and the drafting of Kupp. Under his leadership, the Rams captured a Super Bowl title in 2022, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in the team’s front office. However, the NFL is a results-driven league, and Snead’s future with the organization will likely depend on his ability to keep the Rams competitive in the coming seasons, particularly by making sound decisions on Stafford and Kupp.

In this article, we will delve into why Snead’s future in Los Angeles could be directly impacted by his decisions involving these two stars, exploring their respective roles with the team, the risks and rewards of keeping them long-term, and what the next steps might look like for both players—and for the Rams as a whole.

Matthew Stafford’s Role in the Rams’ Future

Matthew Stafford, the veteran quarterback acquired by the Rams in 2021, was a key figure in the team’s Super Bowl LVI victory. After years of frustration in Detroit, Stafford was traded to Los Angeles in a blockbuster deal, and he immediately elevated the Rams’ offense. His arm strength, leadership, and poise under pressure helped guide the team to its first Super Bowl win in over two decades. For many Rams fans, Stafford represented the missing piece in the puzzle that had been the team’s quarterback situation since the departure of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner.

However, Stafford’s second season in Los Angeles was far less glamorous. Plagued by injuries and a decline in performance, Stafford struggled to replicate the magic of the previous year. In addition to injuries to his throwing arm and neck, Stafford dealt with inconsistencies in his offensive line, a lack of chemistry with some of his receivers, and a defense that failed to live up to expectations. Despite the adversity, Stafford finished the season with 10 touchdowns and 8 interceptions, but the Rams finished the year with a losing record and missed the playoffs.

For Les Snead, Stafford’s performance is at a crossroads. Stafford’s contract runs through 2024, with the Rams holding an option for the 2025 season. Given his age (35) and injury history, the question now is whether Stafford is still capable of being the elite quarterback the Rams need or whether the time has come to move on. Stafford has shown in the past that he can be an incredibly effective quarterback when healthy, but his durability is a legitimate concern. The Rams’ front office has to evaluate if keeping Stafford for the remaining years of his contract is in the best interest of the franchise, or if it’s time to explore other options.

The Financial Implications of Stafford’s Contract

Stafford’s contract, which was extended in 2022, is one of the more lucrative deals in the NFL for a quarterback, with an annual average value (AAV) of $40 million. This financial commitment puts the Rams in a difficult position, as Stafford’s contract is a significant portion of the salary cap. If Stafford were to retire early or be traded, the Rams would incur a significant dead cap hit, meaning that they would still be on the hook for much of his salary without receiving any value in return.

However, if Stafford is able to regain his form and stay healthy, he could still provide the Rams with solid quarterback play for the next few years, potentially even leading them back into contention. Given that the Rams’ roster has several pieces in place for a Super Bowl run, including a dominant defense and playmakers like Kupp, a healthy Stafford could still be the piece that takes the team back to the top.

One of Snead’s key tasks will be balancing the short-term and long-term outlook for the Rams. If the team believes Stafford can bounce back and play at a high level, they may opt to keep him and hope for another championship window. However, if the Rams’ brass believes that Stafford is no longer the quarterback they need to compete, a change at the position could be necessary. This decision will be further complicated by the financial ramifications of Stafford’s contract, and Snead will need to assess the risks of continuing to pay Stafford at a high rate versus the potential of moving on to a new quarterback.

Cooper Kupp’s Value to the Rams

While Stafford’s role in the Rams’ future is clouded with uncertainty, wide receiver Cooper Kupp remains a central figure in the offense. Kupp has been one of the most productive and consistent receivers in the NFL over the past several seasons, earning All-Pro honors and leading the league in receiving yards and touchdowns during the 2021 season. His relationship with Stafford was a major factor in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory, with Kupp being named Super Bowl MVP for his dominant performance.

Even with the Rams’ struggles in 2022, Kupp continued to be a force on the field, when healthy. Unfortunately, Kupp suffered a hamstring injury in the middle of the season that kept him sidelined for much of the year. Despite the injury, Kupp has consistently demonstrated that he is one of the league’s most reliable and talented receivers. His route running, hands, and ability to make plays in critical situations make him a valuable asset to the Rams’ offense.

Kupp is signed to a three-year extension that runs through the 2024 season, but there has been increasing chatter about the Rams potentially locking him up for the long-term with another contract extension. Kupp’s importance to the Rams cannot be overstated—he is the best weapon on the roster, and he has proven to be an elite player capable of taking over games when needed. Snead must decide whether to make Kupp a priority for the future and offer him a new deal that reflects his value, or if the Rams should look to move on from their star receiver.

Should the Rams Keep Stafford and Kupp Together for the Long Term?

One of the most pressing questions for Snead will be whether to continue building around Stafford and Kupp or to pivot toward a new direction. The Stafford-Kupp duo was a major factor in the Rams’ Super Bowl victory, but both players are now dealing with injury concerns, and the Rams’ overall team situation has changed in the past year.

The Rams’ roster is in a state of flux, with the departure of several key players and a few others nearing the end of their contracts. The team will need to make sure they continue to build around Kupp, as he is still in his prime and could remain one of the league’s best wide receivers for several more years. Kupp is an exceptional talent, and keeping him on the roster will be a priority for Snead in the coming seasons.

At the same time, however, Snead must also recognize that the window for a Super Bowl run may be closing. Stafford’s window is shorter due to his age, and the Rams may need to move on from him to avoid sinking too many resources into a quarterback who may not have much left in the tank. If Snead decides that Stafford is no longer the solution at quarterback, the Rams could look to draft or acquire a younger, more cost-effective option at the position, which would help in retooling the team for the future.

Snead’s Legacy and Future with the Rams

Les Snead has built a solid reputation as a general manager known for making bold moves. His decision to trade for Stafford and his ability to put together a championship-winning roster proved his acumen. However, the current situation with Stafford and Kupp places Snead in a precarious position. The decisions he makes regarding both players will ultimately determine whether he is able to maintain his job and continue his success with the Rams.

The Rams are in a delicate spot—they have several important pieces in place but are facing difficult financial and roster decisions. Snead will need to show that he can adapt to the current realities of the NFL and make smart choices that allow the Rams to remain competitive while also setting them up for future success. The handling of Stafford and Kupp is key to this process.

If Snead can find a way to keep the Rams competitive with Stafford at quarterback, while also securing Kupp for the long-term, he will solidify his legacy as one of the most successful GMs in recent history. However, if he missteps in his handling of either player, it could lead to a major rebuilding phase for the team, and perhaps even a change at the top.

In the coming months and years, Les Snead’s future with the Rams will be shaped by his ability to make the right decisions regarding Stafford and Kupp—decisions that could ultimately define the Rams’ future.