Rams QB Matthew Stafford Announces Important Decision On His Retirement

Will Matthew Stafford play in 2026?

Will Matthew Stafford retire this offseason? That is the question all Rams fans would love to know.

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The Seahawks eliminated the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday. A victory would’ve put Stafford’s team in the Super Bowl for the second time in five seasons. He was in the midst of a career year. He had 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns that led the league during the 2025 regular season. That’s made him one of the five finalists for the NFL MVP award.

The former Georgia star, who turns 38 a day before Super Bowl LX, undoubtedly understands that Father Time will come calling. Following the NFC title game, Sean McVay snapped at a reporter for asking about Stafford’s status next year. He would then give the question a more substantive answer while mostly deferring to Matthew Stafford. “You have to ask him,” McVay said.

Life without Matthew Stafford would be hard for the team going forward. They have experienced nothing but success together. Matthew Stafford and McVay won a Super Bowl with the Rams to cap the 2021 season – his first with the Rams.

Matthew Stafford Plans To Take Some Time” Before Making His Decision

Matthew Stafford (Photo By Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
Stafford turns 38 years old the day before Super Bowl LX. Although he might be one of the oldest quarterbacks in the NFL, he’s still playing at an incredibly high level. He has shown no signs of regression as he’s gotten older, and he hopes to keep slinging it in 2026.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported that Stafford has told people close to him that he wants to return “no matter what” next season. Rapoport says that was before the Los Angeles Rams went on this playoff run and reached the NFC title game.

On Monday’s new episode of the Let’s Go! podcast, Stafford didn’t have much more to say about what comes next for his football career. However, he will take some time before making that announcement.

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“It’ll be a lot that goes into it,” Stafford told Jim Gray. “It’s a physical, a mental, and emotional decision, a personal and a family decision as well. So, we’ll figure all that kind of stuff out with some time.

“I know I had a ton of fun playing football this season and had so much fun playing for the Rams. So when I’m ready to figure that out, I’ll be ready to figure that out. That moment isn’t right now. I have so much more time, I feel like, to reflect on just the people and the season that we just had. I want to appreciate that and give it the time that it deserves before I start thinking personally about what’s next for me and my family.”

Around this time last year, Stafford was recovering from a herniated disc. He was also dealing with trade rumors before agreeing to a new deal. Now, trade rumors will be the main storyline this year.