The clock is ticking for Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams, and the decision could prove quite costly for the latter.
Stafford is coming off what bettors believe was an NFL MVP-caliber season, during which he led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, while also earning his third Pro Bowl selection and first First Team All-Pro nod.
What comes next, though, remains the elephant in the room for Stafford and the Rams.
Matthew Stafford Deadline Looms for Rams
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after facing the Indianapolis Colts.
Stafford and the Rams went through similar circumstances last offseason, leading to the former Detroit Lions star exploring his trade value before ultimately signing a modified two-year, $84 million contract.
Spotrac’s Michael Ginnitti listed whether or not Stafford will return as the first of his two “early offseason questions” for the Rams and the basis for the second.
“If [Stafford returns,] will he be comfortable on a $40M salary?” Ginnitti wrote on January 27. “The Rams have plenty of mouths to feed this offseason, and no post-Stafford plan (at least from the outside looking in). Will there be reservation in adding too much multi-year guarantee to the roster with change coming at the QB1 position sooner rather than later?”
That is not all. If Stafford does step away, the Rams could still be on the hook.
Stafford, who turns 38 in February, will see his $40 million salary for 2026 become fully guaranteed on March 15, four days after the new league year. Ginnitti noted that Stafford is still playing at a high level, but that he would be “within his rights” to consider retirement this spring.
“The Rams would be staring at a $41.9M dead cap charge if Stafford moves on here,” Ginnitti wrote. “Processing this in a Post 6/1 manner means $27.5M in 2026, $14.4M in 2027.”
Matthew Stafford Can Be a Team Player
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans.
Ginnitti’s question about Stafford’s status for 2026 is a common concern, but the 2021 Super Bowl champion can help the Rams continue to build around him. The same salary that locks in on March 15 could be the key.
“Converting it to bonus can free up $11.7M of cap space,” Ginnitti wrote.
Ginnitti also noted the Rams can save $18 million with Davante Adams by “processing a simple salary conversion (including this roster bonus and adding void years).”
Additionally, the Rams can free up as much as $24.2 million with similar decisions on left tackle Alaric Jackson and safety Quentin Lake. Ginnitti noted that the Rams can clear additional room with moves on cornerback Darious Williams and defensive lineman Ty Hamilton.
There is also an $11 million option on corner Emmanuel Forbes for the Rams to decide on.
In the end, what Stafford does will have more of an impact on the Rams’ roster and offseason plans than any other moves they might make.
Matthew Stafford Joined ‘Elite Company’
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams signals to his team against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Stafford’s career has come under scrutiny, with some citing his troubles with the Lions before they traded him to the Rams in 2021.
However, while team success may have eluded him, Stafford was indeed compiling stats.
Fox Sports NFL noted on January 26 that Stafford joined Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady as the only three passers in league history with multiple seasons of at least 50 touchdown passes combined in the regular season and playoffs.
“An all-time season from Matthew Stafford as he joins legendary company. [clapping hands emoji],” the network captioned their graphic featuring the three QBs.
Rams Get Matthew Stafford Warning With Deadline Approaching