After announcing the proactive contract extensions with head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead on Monday, the Rams are in more of a wait-and-see approach with the next biggest domino to fall in their offseason: The future of quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Stafford, who turns 38 later this month, declined to speak on his future after the team’s NFC championship game loss to the Seattle Seahawks. But on an appearance on SiriusXM’s “Let’s Go” podcast a day later, Stafford said that he would take his time on deciding whether to return for an 18th season.
“It’s a physical, a mental and emotional decision, a personal and a family decision as well,” Stafford said. “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.”
After concern that an aggravated disc in his back might impact his ability to play last fall, Stafford put together one of his best statistical seasons in 2025. He led the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and passing touchdowns (46) while garnering serious MVP consideration for the first time in his career.
Speaking over Zoom on Monday, McVay said that the Rams are going to give him his space to make that decision on his future, but that the organization would welcome him back for what would be his sixth season as a Ram.
“If that’s something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely, yes,” McVay said. “He’s going to take his time, talk with [Stafford’s wife Kelly] and the girls and see what’s best. But man, is he still playing at an incredible level. Our hope is that he does.”
The Rams are in a similar position with many of their veterans. While McVay said he has “no reason to believe” that receiver Davante Adams won’t be back with the team next year, tight end Tyler Higbee and right tackle Rob Havenstein — both career Rams — only have void years left on their contracts, making them poised for free agency.
McVay said he has spoken with Higbee and Havenstein about whether the pair — both 33 — want to continue playing or retire. But like with Stafford, the Rams will allow time for them to make their decisions.
“Those guys are all-time Rams,” McVay said. “They’ve been legacy players, they’ve been legacy human beings, more importantly. So I have spoken with both of those guys, but … want to be able to give them some time, unpack the emotions and then we’ll circle back at the appropriate date that’s respectful for them.”
But it’s easier to plan around Higbee and Havenstein. The Rams still have three tight ends they feel good about under contract for 2026, and Warren McClendon Jr. filled in capably while Havenstein was on injured reserve this season.
A starting quarterback is another situation entirely. There aren’t many of them floating around as potential replacements, especially this offseason. And Stafford’s decision will significantly impact the Rams’ salary cap situation, with his $40 million salary for 2026 set to become fully guaranteed in March.
There’s no guarantee that if Stafford comes back, he’ll even want to play on that deal. Last offseason, Stafford renegotiated new terms for 2025 after entertaining the possibility of a trade. His salary for 2026 would make him the 16th-highest paid quarterback in the NFL.
But, McVay said, the Rams are willing to let Stafford take his time and deliberate with his family. Health isn’t a concern — McVay said Stafford won’t need offseason back surgery after last summer’s scare — so it’s just up to whether Stafford wants to play again.
“He deserves as much time as he needs,” McVay said. “We’ve spent a lot of time together, and I’m excited, I’m hopeful. But I think with respect to him, haven’t set any sort of timetable and I don’t get the sense that he wants to let it drag on, either. And then we’ll just kind of see what he’s feeling. I’m keeping my fingers crossed.”