Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has yet to officially decide whether he will retire or return to the NFL for another season, but the Los Angeles Rams are ready to put together another run for a title if he does come back.
Stafford contemplated retirement last offseason before returning to the Rams on a two-year contract that included a chance for the veteran quarterback to contemplate his future again this year. Insiders have indicated that Stafford does intend to return for another season, and Rams general manager Les Snead said the team is ready to go all-in for a run at another Super Bowl.
Rams Preparing for Matthew Stafford’s Retirement Decision
Snead said this week that the team is preparing to make the most of Stafford’s remaining time in the NFL, knowing that he may only have one peak season remaining. The team made a run to the NFC title game but fell short against the rival Seattle Seahawks, but Snead suggested they could return to the top next season if Stafford decides to return.
“There is a vision to have sustained success over time,” Snead said, via the Orange County Register. “But if Matthew decides to come back I do think there’ll be an element of – whether it’s 51-49, whether it’s 52-48, whether it’s 60-40 – let’s definitely make the most of the time we have with Matthew. Because … the type of season that he’s still showing he can have, there’s only so many of those left. Those are some moments that you want to take advantage of.”
Stafford took his time contemplating retirement last offseason, waiting until March 1 to sign a two-year contract to return. Snead suggested he could come to a quicker decision this time, saying the team had already been in contact with him.
“I think we’ve had productive conversations with him,” Snead said. “So we’re going to give him his space to, let’s call it, recover, rejuvenate and then determine, ‘Hey, do we want to get back on this horse again and go chase, earn, grab special moments together?’ ”
The Rams have built a strong roster around Stafford and have significant salary cap space to make additions, making them a popular pick to rebound in 2026.
Lions Committed to Jared Goff
The blockbuster trade that shipped Stafford to the Rams in 2021 was a success on both sides, giving Los Angeles a Super Bowl title in his first season while allowing the Lions to grow into title contenders of their own with Jared Goff at the helm. The Lions won two straight NFC North titles before falling short of the playoffs this year, but the team remained committed to Goff.
After the team was officially eliminated from the playoffs in December, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said they remained committed to Goff and were ready to rebound in 2026.
“Jared Goff is a stud. He’s an absolute stud. We’re fortunate to have him as a quarterback,” Campbell said in an appearance on 97.1 The Ticket. “He’s a winning quarterback in this league. He played at a very high level all season long.”
Ex-Lions QB Matthew Stafford Gets Significant Retirement Update