Following the Los Angeles Rams” loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship, quarterback Matthew Stafford has indicated that he will take time to determine his future plans. During a recent appearance on the “Let”s Go!” podcast with Jim Gray, Stafford shared that several factors will play into his decision, including physical, mental, emotional, personal, and family considerations.
Stafford stated, “It”ll be a lot that goes into it. I know I had a ton of fun playing football this season and had so much fun playing for the Rams. So when I”m ready to figure that out, I”ll be ready to figure that out. That moment isn”t right now.” He emphasized the importance of reflecting on the past season and appreciating the experiences before making any decisions regarding his career.
While Stafford has time to consider his options, he must inform the Rams of his plans before free agency begins in approximately six weeks. Last year, negotiations between Stafford and the Rams reached a standstill, leading to the team granting him permission to seek a trade. Several teams, including the Raiders and Giants, expressed interest at that time, but Stafford ultimately remained with the Rams, receiving a modest increase in salary for the 2025 season.
This year, however, Stafford is positioned for a substantial raise beyond the $40 million he is scheduled to earn in 2026. After what many consider the best season of his career, he may need to approach negotiations differently. Rather than using the threat of leaving as leverage, he might consider expressing a desire to retire.
The Rams face a critical decision if Stafford opts to step away from the game, as their alternatives, such as pursuing Jimmy Garoppolo, may not yield the same caliber of play. With Aaron Rodgers aging, the Rams could find it challenging to secure a viable replacement at such a pivotal position.
