The Los Angeles Rams are indeed working through contract extension options with Matthew Stafford, and new details paint a fairly telling picture, not only about the 2026 season, but also beyond.
Rams general manager Les Snead confirmed the news of the ongoing work to redo Stafford’s current two-year, $84 million pact.
Moreover, they expect to avoid anything like last offseason.
Rams Get Honest About Matthew Stafford
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts after throwing a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints.
Snead met with media members ahead of the 2026 draft and acknowledged that the Rams and Stafford’s representatives are working on an extension for the former No. 1 overall pick of the 2009 draft.
“Progress has been made,” Snead said, per The Athletic’s Nate Atkins on April 21. “No timeline per se, but don’t expect any drama.”
Stafford announced his return during his MVP acceptance speech at the 2026 NFL Honors.
He and the Rams have also left the door open for Stafford to play beyond 2026, and it sounds as though that is the plan for the two sides more than getting the former Detroit Lions star closer to or at the top of the highest-paid list.
“My understanding is the two sides have made significant progress on the deal. Not focused on giving him a raise this year, although that likely will come. But more on giving him an extension. Matthew Stafford, yes, in his late 30s, I know. But also, by the way, the reigning MVP,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said on “The Insiders” on April 20.
“The fact that he has kept playing at an unbelievably high level has created a problem of sorts for the Rams because he still wants to get paid, because he’s playing so well. That said, good problem to have. It does seem, without a lot of fanfare, with no stress like last year, where he wondered if he was going to be traded somewhere or not. The Rams are keeping him. The extension is expected to get done.”
The Rams allowed Stafford’s camp to speak with other teams to gauge the QB’s trade value before ultimately agreeing to his current contract.
Rams Could Finally Plan for Future at QB
GettyLos Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead recalls a story in his office.
Stafford turned 38 in February, and he is entering his 18th NFL season after dealing with various injuries over the past few seasons. A back injury sidelined him during training camp and the preseason last year.
Fittingly, then, the Rams are doing their due diligence on the 2026 class of quarterback prospects.
“Also worth noting, the Rams have done a lot of work on quarterbacks in this draft. At some point, they’re going to need a succession plan,” NFL Network’s Tom Pellisero said in the report with Rapoport. Is that Ty Simpson as early as Round 1? They spent extra time with Garrett Nussmeier, came out and worked him out as well. A lot of different possibilities. Meanwhile, who is going to be catching the ball from Matthew Stafford?”
2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV is the only other QB under contract with the Rams.
Even if Stafford plans on playing for several more seasons, and the Rams are open to that, LA could still get ahead of the curve by selecting a developmental passer at some point during the 2026 draft.
Rams Send Clear Message Amid Matthew Stafford Contract Update