Rams' Matthew Stafford Suggests He's Considering Retiring After 2026 Season

Last week, the Los Angeles Rams signed Matthew Stafford to a one-year contract extension worth $55 million, keeping the 2025 NFL MVP under contract through the 2027 season.

The deal turns out to be more of a $5 million raise for the upcoming season than a guarantee Stafford will play for the Rams in 2027.

Stafford, 38, considered retirement at the end of last season to spend time with his family. It’s fair to wonder if the upcoming season will be his last, especially after his comments at OTAs.

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When speaking to reporters on Thursday, Stafford said he was glad to have his contract extension signed before OTAs, but he wouldn’t commit to playing in 2027.

“Happy to have next year taken care of if I decide to play, and, you know, if they still want me back,” Stafford said, via NFL Media. “But just excited to get that behind me because I just want to come out here and play and not think about that kind of stuff. So, great to get that done sooner rather than later.”

Stafford threw for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions last season. Clearly, he’s showing no signs of slowing down as he ages at the league’s most important position. The Rams certainly appreciate having Stafford back after he nearly led the team to the Super Bowl.

Los Angeles made sure to hedge its bets on Stafford, taking Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round of April’s draft. Stafford has been more than willing to teach Simpson what he knows.

“He’s a guy that asks questions; I’ve been trying to answer those as honestly and as thoroughly as I possibly can,” Stafford said of Simpson. “He’s a smart kid. He’s got talent, obviously. He’s a high draft pick.

“So, happy to add good players to our team. He’s one of them. But my job is, you know, go out there and get myself and our team as ready to play as I possibly can.”

The Rams have a great situation at quarterback this season, and potentially next season. At some point, Los Angeles will turn to Simpson.

For now, Stafford is refocused on winning another Super Bowl.

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This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 6:14 PM.