The Los Angeles Rams didn't have to do much to convince quarterback Matthew Stafford to sign a contract extension this offseason.

However, Stafford – now one of six quarterbacks with an average annual salary of at least $40 million – took less money than he could have to help the Rams build another championship-caliber roster in 2022, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

"I was just trying to find something that felt good for both sides where we are able to continue to add players and pieces around me," Stafford said, per ESPN's Adam Teicher.

The Rams, who acquired Stafford in a trade with the Detroit Lions in March 2021, awarded the 34-year-old with a four-year, $160-million extension after he helped them win Super Bowl LVI in his first season with the team.