Before the NFC Championship Game, a report about Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s future emerged, indicating the QB felt he could play in 2026.
That was notably short of saying Stafford would return in 2026. The Rams’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Championship Sunday threatens to throw head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead into overdrive to find a replacement.
Stafford’s response to questions about his future helped stir the pot.
Matthew Stafford Draws Attention Following Rams’ Loss
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after defeating the Chicago Bears in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.
“Matthew Stafford declined to say whether he would come back for an 18th season next year,” The Athletic’s Nate Atkins noted in a post on X on January 25. “He was especially short on words.”
The Rams notably clipped Stafford’s postgame presser from their livestream, which promoted the QB speaking following McVay.
Their social media team framed it as a solo effort for McVay, underscoring Stafford’s brevity.
“I can’t generalize six months of my life 10 minutes after a loss,” Stafford told reporters in the locker room after the game. “[I] appreciate the guys in this locker room a whole hell of a lot. Everybody that helped me and helped our team be as successful as we were this year, and that’s all I’ll answer for you.”
Stafford completed 22 of 35 passes (62.8%) of his passes for 374 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions while taking 1 sack against the Seahawks. He notched another historic feat with the effort, albeit in an unfortunate fashion.
“Matthew Stafford is first QB ever to throw for 350+ yards, 3+ TDs, have 0 turnovers and lose a playoff start,” the Associated Press’ Josh Dubow posted after the game.
That was just one of his feats during the contest.
“Matthew Stafford is the first Rams player to have multiple games with 3+ passing touchdowns in a single postseason,” Los Angeles Rams PR posted on X during the game. “His 3 postseason games with 3+ passing TDs are the most in franchise history.”
Stafford is under contract next season in the final year of a two-year, $84 million contract negotiated with the Rams last offseason.
Sean McVay Sends Strong Message on Matthew Stafford
GettyLos Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay reacts against the Seattle Seahawks.
Questions about Stafford’s future were prevalent after the game. The QB’s lack of clarity, fitting in the immediate aftermath of a game, will only lead to more questions in the coming weeks.
As far as McVay is concerned, Stafford is the Rams’ starting QB until he chooses not to be.
“If he still wants to play. What the hell kind of question is that?” McVay said when asked if he “expected” Stafford back for the 2026 season. “You have to ask him. We’ve been totally present. I know that if he wants to, he’s still playing out a pretty d*** good clip.
“He’s the MVP of the league. And if he’s not, I got respect for everybody else, but this guy played at a level that’s just different.”
Matthew Stafford Seeks Out Cooper Kupp
GettyCooper Kupp #10 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on against the Los Angeles Rams.
Stafford also drew attention postgame for his exhaustive effort to locate former teammate Cooper Kupp, who advances to his second career Super Bowl, this time with the Seahawks.
Kupp won Offensive Player of the Year with the Rams during their 2021 title season.
Stafford eventually found Kupp, who had four receptions for 36 yards and 1 TD. The former dynamic duo exchanged words before going their separate ways. Kupp and the Seahawks will face the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Stafford and the Rams enter the offseason.
Time will tell if Stafford will guide the Rams against Kupp and the Seahawks next season, potentially. The latter could be defending champions.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Comments on Retirement After Historic Loss