Matthew Stafford is not going anywhere. The MVP quarterback put all rumors about his retirement to rest with this latest move. 

Stafford is coming off the 2025 season, his 17th NFL season, in style. He won his first MVP after throwing for 4,707 yards and his career-best 46 touchdowns. After considering his options for the future in the past offseason, Stafford is back for his 18th NFL year, as reported by ESPN. 

“ESPN sources: reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams reached an agreement today on a one-year, $55 million extension worth up to $60 million with incentives,” reported Adam Schefter of ESPN. “Stafford now has two years and up to $105 million remaining on his deal with the Rams.”

Bobby Kownack at NFL.com added that Stafford’s previous deal, which was reworked in the last season, was set to run out after 2026. That contract got people chattering about the QB’s future after the Rams permitted Stafford in February 2025 to speak with other interested teams about a potential trade. 

However, Stafford was committed to being with the Rams after they restructured his contract. His decision makes sense, considering he has achieved more success in the five years he’s been with the Rams.

Per Eva Aggarwal of The Sunday Guardian, Stafford leads the league in career earnings with about $408 million through 2025. He is on his way to becoming the first player in NFL history to reach $500 million in playing salary, provided he is on the field for the 2027 season. 

The veteran QB showed no signs of stepping away from the franchise or from the NFL for now. In the meantime, per reports, the Rams are planning for their long-term future, with or without Stafford. 

Rams Preparing for What Comes After Matthew Stafford

The Los Angeles Rams raised some chatter when they used their overall No. 13 pick on Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. Many insiders speculated on the team’s need to bring in another QB when they already have their star QB, Matthew Stafford. 

Per Rowan Fisher-Shotton of Newsweek, the draft projections for the Rams included their immediate need for a wide receiver, tight end, and along the offensive line. However, by drafting a quarterback, the Rams confirmed the development of long-term succession plans after the 38-year-old Stafford says goodbye to the NFL for good. 

With Stafford’s performance and achievements in 2025, the numbers disregarded talk of the QB coming close to retiring. Stafford has a history of injuries, and therefore, adding another talented young QB to develop behind him makes sense. 

The Rams’ selection of QB Ty Simpson signals that the franchise is slowly preparing for life after Matthew Stafford.

What are your thoughts on Stafford’s extension?

Follow Cleveland Browns Community for more.

Written by

Naomi Grace

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi