Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead addressed the media for the first time since his team’s 2025 season ended, and questions about quarterback Matthew Stafford remain the most compelling they face.
Stafford is under contract for 2026, the final year of a two-year, $84 million pact. He has left the door open to return or retire.
Snead did not mince words about the situation.
Rams GM Delivers Major Matthew Stafford Update
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams prepares to take the field before the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks.
“We’re going to let Matthew decide,” Snead said, per the LA Times’ Gary Klein on February 4. I think we’ve had productive conversations with him, so we’re going to give him his space, right, to let’s call it recover, rejuvenate and then determine, ‘Hey, do we want to get back on this horse again.’”
That underlying message is consistent with what Rams head coach Sean McVay said.
“Our hope is that he does [want to be with the Rams in 2026],” McVay told media members on February 2. “Whenever he feels ready to make that announcement, we’ll let him be able to do that.
“He deserves as much time as he needs. We spend a lot of time together, and I’m excited about–I’m hopeful. But I think, with respect to him, haven’t set any sort of timetable, and I think 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, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed like you guys that he wants to still play.”
It is encouraging that Snead has a positive view of the talks. Stafford has been honest about the decision being complex and going beyond simply whether he wants to play.
However, his comments have sparked a debate about whether there has been a change in him.
Matthew Stafford’s Comments Under Microscope
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
Stafford was less than forthcoming after the Rams’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
LAFB Network posted “Last year after the Eagles loss, Matthew Stafford sounded sure he’d be back. After the Seahawks loss this year? Not the same confidence. Does Stafford return… or does he walk away?” on X a few days later.
Stafford opened up more several days later, adding valuable context to his looming decision.
“When I’m ready to figure that out, I’ll be ready to figure that out. That moment isn’t right now,” Stafford told Jim Gray on the “Let’s Go!” podcast in January. “I want to appreciate [the 2025 campaign] and give it the time that it deserves before I start thinking personally about what’s next for me and my family.”
Kelly Stafford posted videos of Stafford tucking their four daughters in after that emotional season-ending loss.
Clock Ticking on Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after facing the Arizona Cardinals.
The Rams have until March 15, when Stafford’s $40 million salary for 2026 becomes fully guaranteed. They will also be on the hook for roughly half of that should he retire.
The biggest issue the Rams face regarding Stafford, though, is ensuring they have an opportunity to find a replacement if necessary. Jimmy Garoppolo was QB2 for the Rams last season, but he is a free agent.
Their only other QB under contract for 2026 is 2023 fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV.
This offseason could be prime time for the Rams to nab Stafford’s predecessor, with the QB’s decision determining how ready-made that player must be.
Rams Deliver Matthew Stafford Update After Eyebrow-Raising Comments