THOUSAND OAKS — The Rams walked off the field at Cal Lutheran for the final time Tuesday. As minicamp – cut a day short by head coach Sean McVay – came to a close, the Rams said goodbye to the temporary facility that they have operated out of for the past eight years, ahead of a move this summer to Woodland Hills.
“It’s been great,” McVay said. “We’ll probably just pick this facility up and go plant it at Woodland Hills and then we’ll see when the real thing is ready eventually.”
As the Rams wrapped up their offseason activities, one matter remained unresolved. McVay offered no update on contract discussions with quarterback Matthew Stafford, who has been in attendance for the Rams’ workouts and practices but has declined media requests this spring.
“We’ll keep things internally. That’s kind of where we’re at,” McVay said. “I couldn’t be more impressed with the way that he’s handled it, the way that he’s led, been here every single day doing his thing. That sure means a lot to me.”
Stafford is entering the 2024 season on the final guaranteed year of his contract. Technically, the deal, which he signed with the Rams following their Super Bowl win in February 2022, runs through the 2026 season, but the final two years contain no guaranteed money.
That became a sticking point for Stafford in April, according to an NFL Network report, and McVay and general manager Les Snead acknowledged discussions with the quarterback and his representatives while opting to keep the details private.
Stafford, 36, had a strong bounce-back season in 2023 after dealing with injuries the previous year. He earned his second Pro Bowl nod after leading the Rams to a surprise playoff berth with a 7-1 close to the regular season. Stafford completed 62.6% of his passes for 3,965 yards, 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his 15th season.
Williams back at practice
Running back Kyren Williams was back participating in some 11-on-11 activities Tuesday. Though the practice was limited to a walk-through without helmets, it was an encouraging sign for the running back after he missed all of OTAs with a knee injury suffered during offseason training.
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“Even in a walk-through setting, you always feel his presence,” McVay said. “He’s got such a great energy about himself, he’s so engaged, he’s got a great focus and concentration. So we’ll be glad to be able to have him back in practice settings, too.”
McVay said Williams is expected to be a full participant at training camp next month.
Williams has dealt with foot and ankle injuries in his first two seasons, but rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023 despite missing four games on injured reserve.
