Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
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Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to pass against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Championship Game.
Matthew Stafford did the Los Angeles Rams a tremendous favor by declaring his intentions to return for the 2026 season, and head coach Sean McVay is certainly appreciative.
However, the Rams are also not ignoring the elephant in the room.
Stafford turned 38 in February, and he is entering his 18th NFL season. The Rams must plan for their future after Stafford finally decides to call it a career, whenever that may be.
Matthew Stafford Could Suit Up for Rams in 2027
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after throwing a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.
Despite the uncertainty before his decision, and that of recent offseasons, McVay has already left the door open for Stafford to play in 2027.
McVay suggested as much while praising his relationship with Stafford.
“Sean McVay said the Rams do think about life after Matthew Stafford, though ‘it wouldn’t shock me if he played more than one year,’” TheRams.com’s Stu Jackson reported in a post on X on March 30.
“McVay said Rams have discussed with Stafford a contract restructure which could add additional years, but conversations have been ‘a lot smoother than last year.’”
The Rams acquired Stafford in an offseason trade with the Detroit Lions in 2021.
He promptly helped McVay and Co. reach and win the Super Bowl. Stafford is coming off an MVP-winning season and has shown no signs of slowing down. The Rams were within striking distance of a second Super Bowl berth with Stafford (third with McVay), too.
Stafford is in the final year of a two-year, $84.4 million contract that the Rams reworked last offseason, setting the stage for this one.
Sean McVay Praises Relationship With Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams meets with his children on the sideline before the NFC championship game against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stafford began the 2025 season facing uncertainty after dealing with a back injury during the offseason program.
Through that, and his eventual on-field success, Stafford and McVay grew closer.
“Our relationship went to different levels … as a result of some of the hard conversations we had to have last year. And I think that’s one of the things that [I’ve] started to learn. And when you get into a leadership role for a handful of years, and you learn from a lot of mistakes you’ve made, there’s nothing wrong with loving people enough to tell them the truth. Being courageous enough to have some of those hard conversations. And I think we were able to have a lot of dialogue, really, with he and his family,” McVay told Kay Adams on “Up & Adams” on Monday.
“I think you saw him play light, free. He was so in-the-moment this year. He enjoyed it. I’m sure damn glad that he’s coming back because he’s like a fine wine. He’s getting better with age. Best year ever. It’s insane.”
McVay spoke about his affinity for Stafford’s family and noted that, while the Rams do not want to load expectations on Stafford, they do hope he maintains his level of play.
McVay wants Stafford to “keep enjoying it” and “continue to be you.”
“He works so hard. He does so much behind the scenes, and his teammates love him,” McVay said. “It’s a real blessing to be able to work with him. And so, it’s cool. I’m glad we’re not talking about the things we did last year, while also acknowledging it was a blessing to go through that because we got closer in the midst of it.”
QB Future Part of Rams’ Talks
Matthew Stafford, Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with head coach Sean McVay during a game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Part of the close nature of Stafford and McVay’s relationship has included discussions about the Rams’ future at quarterback after the Pro Bowler retires. Even the answer to that question broached Stafford possibly playing beyond 2026.
“We talk. Matthew and I talk all the time,” McVay said. “He’s able to make decisions. He’s going to play this year. If he said he wanted to play a couple more years, I would believe him. But that’s his decision, and he’s earned the right to be in those spots. And so, we want to think short and long term.
“We’ve got this fun narrative about ‘all-in.’ Whatever. We’re all-in on really trying to be good in the short and the long term.”
That could mean QB to groom behind Stafford is indeed a target for McVay and the Rams.