Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams did not end the 2025 season the way that they wanted, falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, and now speculation about their future together has taken center stage.
Stafford is under contract for 2026 in the final year of a two-year, $84 million contract. His $40 million salary for next season will become fully guaranteed on March 15.
Amid the speculation about Stafford, the Rams received a critical update from the league.
Matthew Stafford Decision Forces NFL Action
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after facing the Seattle Seahawks.
The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane reported that Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts had been named to the NFC Pro Bowl roster in a post on X on January 30. Soon after, colleague Olivia Reiner added that Hurts is replacing Stafford, with no explanation over the Rams star’s removal.
A follow-up report from PhillyVoice’s Geoff Mosher reiterated the development, but it did not provide any clarity regarding Stafford.
Some fans linked Stafford’s backing out of the Pro Bowl to his potential retirement decision.
The QB has remained mum on the situation, though, saying after the game and the days afterward that he would take some time to reach a decision. Stafford noted it will not only affect him and the Rams, but also his wife and four young children.
Rams head coach Sean McVay said in no uncertain terms that he wanted Stafford to return next season. Teammates have raved about his 2025 season, which could earn him MVP honors.
Former teammate Aaron Donald drew attention for saying he expects Stafford to play in 2026.
There have been plenty of opinions about Stafford’s future and how the Rams should address theirs this offseason. That is even if the three-time Pro Bowler and 2025 First Team All-Pro honors the final year of his contract.
Roster planning, regardless of what Stafford does, got easier for the Rams and the rest of the league as the official start of the offseason (March 11) draws near.
NFL Makes Major Announcement
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams leaves the field after facing the Arizona Cardinals.
There are questions about whether Stafford could want to rework his deal with the Rams again, as he did last offseason. However, LA has several other pressing situations to address on its roster this spring.
That includes potential extensions for Byron Young, Kobie Turner, and Puka Nacua.
Fortunately for the Rams–and the rest of the NFL, for that matter–the league announced that the salary cap will surpass $300 million for the first time, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
That will inevitably lead to a rise in player salaries. Still, the Rams can get ahead of things before their roster is comprised of players commanding big deals. It is already becoming more challenging with the group of players up for extensions.
Staying ahead of the curve now could help them on the margins in the future.
Paying an up-and-coming player early and backloading the deal can avoid surging prices and a potential bidding war on the open market.
This offseason will be especially tricky to navigate for the Rams. Not because they will be cash-strapped; they were in good shape financially before the NFL’s announcement. But the Rams must balance building around Stafford now and planning for his eventual retirement.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Sparks Decision Amid Major Announcement From NFL