What's next for Matthew Stafford? Evaluating Rams QB's future, contract after NFC championship loss

Dan Treacy

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What's next for Matthew Stafford? Evaluating Rams QB's future, contract after NFC championship loss image

Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford is favored to win his first MVP award, but his season won't end the way he envisioned after an NFC championship game loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

It's easy to forget Stafford's future with the Rams was uncertain just a year ago. Stafford was reportedly pursued by the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders before agreeing to a re-worked contract to stay in L.A.

A year later and a year older, Stafford certainly looks capable of playing at a high level in 2026. Will he be content to stay the course and continue to pursue a second championship in a Rams uniform?

Here's what you need to know about Stafford's future and his contract with the Rams.

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What's next for Matthew Stafford?

There is little doubt Stafford can continue playing at a high level in 2026. He was protected well this season and put together perhaps the best season of his career with 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions as the Rams held their own in the NFL's most competitive division.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported before the NFC championship game that Stafford believes he has "some good football left" and plans to return for an 18th season "no matter what," confirming retirement is unlikely.

If Stafford wants to keep playing, it's hard to beat the situation in Los Angeles with one of the NFL's elite coaches, a terrific No. 1 wide receiver in Puka Nacua and a young, hungry defensive front. 

Something made Stafford think about life outside of the Rams last winter, though. If it was simply money, perhaps he has no doubts about running it back for a sixth season in Los Angeles. If he considered a change of scenery for the sake of a change, it's possible such a dominant season could convince him it's not worthwhile — particularly after the two teams that pursued him went a combined 6-28 and fired their head coaches.

Postgame on Sunday night, Sean McVay was asked about Stafford's future and whether or not he expects his quarterback to return in 2026. The head coach seemingly had no doubts that if Stafford was in the NFL, it would be with L.A.

"Yeah. If he still wants to play, what the hell kind of question is that?" McVay said. "He's the MVP of the league."

If Stafford is set on returning, it's hard to imagine either side would willingly move on unless there are hard feelings the public just isn't aware of. The Rams do, however, have to start planning for life after Stafford at some point if they want to make sure their championship window can survive a surprise retirement or late-career downturn.

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Will Matthew Stafford retire?

Stafford is not expected to retire, NFL Network reported Sunday.

Stafford believes he has "some good football left" and plans to keep playing "no matter what," Ian Rapoport reported, indicating the MVP frontrunner is not looking to go out on one of his best seasons.

Had Stafford won a second championship, perhaps the conversation would be different. Few have the opportunity to go out on top, and Stafford couldn't be blamed for wanting to do so. With the Rams falling short, though, there doesn't appear to be any reason to expect a retirement announcement.

Matthew Stafford contract

Stafford's contract is manageable heading into 2026, as he carries a $48.3 million cap hit — less than $1 million more than his 2025 cap hit. 

Stafford's deal is set to void after the 2026 season, so he could have a clean break with the Rams at the end of the year if he wanted to either retire or play elsewhere. If Stafford goes into the offseason with plans of playing multiple years or simply wants some additional security, he and the Rams have the option to tack a year or two onto their current agreement. 

MORE: Why Rams released Cooper Kupp

How old is Matthew Stafford?

Stafford is 37 years old; he will turn 38 on Feb. 7, two days after the MVP award is handed out at the NFL Honors ceremony. 

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