From what is being said out of Carolina, he was a positive influence in the locker room. From his statements while in Carolina he has matured and isn't the locker room cancer he was in his early years. How he left Cleveland was a traumatic event, that he realized he needed to change. Apparently, he has.
McVay's tenure has always been tied to Stafford. But Baker will energize him to stay if Mayfield stays. From what I hear people close to Baker are telling him that the best thing he could do is spend a year maybe two as Stafford's understudy. When you look at Matt's contract the ability for the Rams to get out of the contract starts after 2024. In 2025 the cap hit on Stafford will be $50.5M but his dead cap would be only $24M something they could absorb in one year. By structure, both sides would view that as a natural out for either side. Even if he decides to retire in 2024 which is a very real possibility because of injury, the Rams could handle the cap hit. It's really only if he retires in January that the cap hit would be difficult.
If he wanted to retire next year then they could simply IR him in Sept. and carry him on the IR for the rest of the year (concussion and neck contusion). This would allow Stafford to be at the facility and attend meetings to mentor Baker. Or they will simply carry him on the roster as the backup. His cap hit would be $20M next year but if he retires it would be $49.5 M. Then he can officially retire in 2024 and the cap hit would be manageable ($36M split over 2 years). This would also allow them to draft a QB or for Stafford to work with. Then Matt isn't out there each week risking his health. IMO this would assuage Kelly's concerns and allow Matt to be with the team.
Baker would re-sign if he knew he was going to replace Stafford at some point if Matt is actually starting next year. McVay could talk to Matt and tell him that due to his health they would be looking to replace him with Baker in 2024, giving him one last shot at a second ring. AD will be retiring in 2024 as well.
Either way I see Baker as the next Ram QB no later than 2025 and more likely as 2024. All I know is that having both on the roster would be a huge advantage for any Super Bowl run. McVay wouldn't feel compelled to send his starter who might be less than 100% back on the field.
One thing to remember about next year. The level of competition will be lower, i.e. an easier schedule. Both Seattle and SF will be going through QB transitions and Kyler will be Kyler. The Rams will have a clear advantage with 2 starting caliber QBs.