Rams expected to get answer on Matthew Stafford's future early in offseason

Matt Sullivan

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Rams expected to get answer on Matthew Stafford's future early in offseason image

The Los Angeles Rams have been eliminated from Super Bowl contention and will now begin the long offseason process to fix the roster and get ready to contend next year.

But there is one major issue that must be resolved before any other. The future of Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles must be addressed as soon as possible.

Fortunately for the Rams, according to ESPN reporter Sarah Bishop, the question of whether Stafford returns to the Rams or not is expected to be resolved early in the offseason.

Rams expected to get answer on Stafford's future early in offseason

"What is their top offseason priority? Figure out if Matthew Stafford will be their quarterback in 2026," Bishop writes. "This will likely happen very early in the offseason, as it did when the sides agreed to a restructured deal last February."

The Rams' offseason can only truly begin once an answer is heard on Stafford. He looked great in 2025, and barring a surprise, he seems likely to return to the Rams.

There are a lot of issues the Rams need to figure out this offseason, like the future of the defensive backfield, a new offensive tackle, more wide receiver help, and Puka Nacua's extension, among others.

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

But Stafford's future with the team takes priority over all of those other moves. If Stafford is back, then 2026 is a year to contend for the Super Bowl, and spending big resources on players to help in that goal is a priority.

However, there is a chance that Stafford isn't back. If that happens, knowing early in the offseason will give the Rams plenty of time to figure out their course of action.

They could go after a free-agent QB like Malik Willis, or they could even draft one early in the 2026 NFL Draft. Either way, knowing Stafford's decision as early as possible is a big piece of the offseason for the Rams.

Bishop is expecting a decision soon, and with the Rams' entire offseason relying on what he decides, this report is some good news for the Rams as the offseason begins.

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