Matthew Stafford’s $47.7 million cap charge tops NFL quarterbacks after March renegotiation raised annual salary to $44 million.
Los Angeles shoulders $40 million dead money led by Cooper Kupp’s March release ($22.3M), Aaron Donald retirement ($9.7M), and Joe Noteboom cut ($10M) creating eighth-worst penalty burden.
Rams maintain $10.8 million current flexibility after allocating $207.8 million Top 51 commitments. Davante Adams acquisition ($12M cap hit) replaces Kupp production while Puka Nacua ($976K) provides elite value on fifth-round rookie contract through 2026.
Los Angeles Rams player biography and net worth information available for complete roster.
| Quarterbacks (QB) | Running Backs (RB) | Wide Receivers (WR) |
| Matthew Stafford | Kyren Williams | Puka Nacua |
| Jimmy Garoppolo | Blake Corum | Davante Adams |
| Jarquez Hunter | Tutu Atwell | |
| Ronnie Rivers | Jordan Whittington | |
| Xavier Smith | ||
| Ben Skowronek | ||
| Tyler Johnson | ||
| Demarcus Robinson | ||
| Austin Trammell | ||
| Darious Williams |
Stafford Anchors Veteran-Heavy Roster
Thirty-seven-year-old quarterback’s $44 million cash represents highest active salary despite playoff loss ending potential retirement talk. His extension includes $40 million trigger if remaining on roster through March 2026.
| Player | Position | Cap Hit | Contract Details | Through |
| Matthew Stafford | QB | $47.7M | Renegotiated March | 2026 |
| Kevin Dotson | RG | $17.9M | $48M (3yr) | 2027 |
| Davante Adams | WR | $12M | Trade from Raiders | 2026 |
| Rob Havenstein | RT | $11.4M | $32M (3yr) | This season |
| Tutu Atwell | WR | $10M | Extension candidate | 2026 |
| Colby Parkinson | TE | $9.8M | $22.5M (3yr) | 2026 |
| Darious Williams | CB | $9.2M | $26M (3yr) | 2026 |
| Tyler Higbee | TE | $8.8M | $31M (3yr) | 2026 |
| Alaric Jackson | LT | $7M | $22.5M (3yr) | This season |
| Kyren Williams | RB | $5.4M | Extension candidate | 2026 |
Stafford’s structure features no additional years beyond 2026 maintaining year-to-year flexibility.
Sean McVay emphasized taking “one season at a time” given age-37 quarterback’s retirement considerations despite Super Bowl 56 champion expressing desire continuing career.
Adams’ November trade from Raiders cost conditional third-rounder creating veteran receiver duo with Nacua. His $12 million cap hit represents bargain versus original $36.25M Raiders charge demonstrating creative Las Vegas cost-cutting enabling Los Angeles competitive weapon.
Kupp Release Creates Largest Penalty
Cooper Kupp’s March release saved $7.52 million versus $29.78M original charge yet triggered $22.3M dead cap. Eight-year tenure (10,800 yards, 88 TDs) ended after failed trade market demonstrated contract burden ($80M remaining through 2029).
Donald’s Retirement Impact: Three-time Defensive Player of Year’s March 2024 retirement created $9.7M dead charge from prorated bonuses. His Hall of Fame career (111.5 sacks, 10 Pro Bowls) established $85M net worth through $136M Rams earnings.
Dead Money Breakdown: Kupp ($22.3M), Noteboom ($10M), Donald ($9.7M), Jonah Jackson ($8.5M released after one season) combine for $50.5M total representing 18.1% of cap ceiling.
Rams’ $40M penalty ranks eighth-worst NFL yet projects significant next-season improvement. Clean books enable aggressive free agency around Stafford’s potential final seasons.
Stafford’s $150M Net Worth Journey
Thirty-seven-year-old quarterback built $150-170 million wealth through $364M career earnings (Spotrac) ranking second all-time behind Aaron Rodgers ($500M+). His Detroit-Los Angeles journey spans 16 seasons establishing generational wealth.
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Earnings | Key Achievement |
| Matthew Stafford | $150M-$170M | $364M+ | Super Bowl 56 MVP |
| Aaron Donald (retired) | $85M | $136M | 3x DPOY, HOF |
| Davante Adams | $40M-$55M | $135M+ career | Four-time Pro Bowl |
| Cooper Kupp (released) | $30M-$40M | $78M Rams | Super Bowl 56 MVP |
| Puka Nacua | $1M | $1.9M (2 seasons) | Rookie record holder |
Stafford’s endorsement portfolio includes Nike, PepsiCo, Fanatics, Ford Motor generating $5-8M annually beyond $44M salary.
His Hidden Hills mansion (purchased $14M) reflects wealth accumulated through #1 overall 2009 selection ($72M Detroit rookie contract) plus $160M Rams extensions.
Nacua’s $1 million net worth stems from $1.9M earned through two seasons. His fifth-round 2023 selection ($4.08M over four years, $245K signing bonus) provides elite production (164 catches, 1,797 yards rookie season breaking records) at cost-controlled $976K annual cap hit.
Next Season Cap Relief
Rams project $79 million available space (with current commitments) enabling significant roster upgrades. Stafford’s $40M option trigger decision looms March determining quarterback future and subsequent team-building strategy.
Extension Priorities: Kyren Williams (2026 FA after 1,144 rushing yards), Puka Nacua (extension eligible after third season), Tutu Atwell decisions create $25M+ annual commitments.
Dead Cap Cleanup: Donald ($0 next year), Kupp ($7.48M if post-June designation), Jackson ($0) eliminate major penalties enabling competitive spending around aging quarterback.
Stafford’s retirement timeline dictates franchise direction. Continuation requires surrounding weapons maximizing final window while departure triggers rebuild around young roster core.
FAQs
Who is the Rams’ highest-paid player?
Matthew Stafford carries $47.7M cap hit earning $44M annually after March renegotiation. His $150-170M net worth from $364M career total ranks second all-time with $40M next-season option trigger determining 2026 status.
What is Cooper Kupp’s dead cap penalty?
Kupp’s March release created $22.3M dead cap (largest Rams charge) saving just $7.52M versus $29.78M original hit. His eight-year tenure produced Super Bowl 56 MVP yet $80M remaining contract prevented trade market.
How much cap space do Rams have?
Los Angeles maintains $10.8M current but projects $79M next season. Stafford’s $40M option decision determines available space with retirement eliminating charge or continuation creating manageable quarterback spending.
What is Puka Nacua’s contract worth?
Nacua’s four-year $4.08M rookie deal ($976K annual cap) provides elite value after record-breaking 164-catch rookie season. His fifth-round selection enables extension talks after third season with $1M current net worth.
