The Los Angeles Rams are taking a measured approach as they await quarterback Matthew Stafford“s decision regarding his playing future. Stafford, who will turn 38 this month, completed his fifth season with the Rams in good health and emerged as a candidate for the NFL MVP.
After the Rams announced contract extensions for head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, the focus shifted to Stafford”s future. During an appearance on SiriusXM”s “Let”s Go” podcast, Stafford expressed his desire to take his time before deciding whether to return for an 18th season. “It”s a physical, a mental and emotional decision, a personal and a family decision as well,” he stated. He added, “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.”
In 2025, Stafford had one of his best statistical seasons, leading the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns. McVay, speaking to reporters via Zoom, affirmed that the organization respects Stafford”s need for space as he contemplates his future but would welcome him back for a sixth season with the team. “If that”s something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely, yes,” McVay said. “He”s going to take his time, talk with his family, and see what”s best. But man, is he still playing at an incredible level. Our hope is that he does.”
The Rams are in a similarly uncertain situation with several veteran players. While McVay believes that receiver Davante Adams will return next season, tight end Tyler Higbee and right tackle Rob Havenstein face uncertain futures, as both have only void years remaining on their contracts. McVay has had discussions with Higbee and Havenstein about their intentions, allowing them time to decide whether to continue their careers or retire. “Those guys are all-time Rams,” McVay noted. “They”ve been legacy players, they”ve been legacy human beings, more importantly.”
Unlike the decisions surrounding Higbee and Havenstein, Stafford”s situation carries additional weight due to the impact on the Rams” salary cap. Stafford”s $40 million salary for 2026 is set to become fully guaranteed in March, and there is no assurance he will want to play under that contract if he returns. Stafford had renegotiated his contract last offseason after considering a trade, and his 2026 salary would rank him as the 16th-highest paid quarterback in the league.
McVay indicated that the Rams are willing to give Stafford the time he needs to make his decision, emphasizing that health is not an issue, as Stafford will not require offseason back surgery following last summer”s concerns. “He deserves as much time as he needs,” McVay remarked. “We”ve spent a lot of time together, and I”m excited, I”m hopeful. But I think with respect to him, we haven”t set any sort of timetable, and I don”t get the sense that he wants to let it drag on, either. And then we”ll just kind of see what he”s feeling. I”m keeping my fingers crossed.”
