Matthew Stafford contract update suggests Rams QB may play beyond 2026
Ian Rapoport shared an update on Matthew Stafford's impending contract, and he says it's more about extending the deal than giving him a raise.
Matthew Stafford arrived for the start of the Los Angeles Rams ’ offseason program on Monday and with it came an update on his current contract situation. The Rams already confirmed recently that they’ve been in talks with Stafford about adjusting his current deal, but on Monday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network shared the latest on that matter. He says the two sides have made “ significant progress ” on a new contract, and it’s not just about giving him a raise after winning league MVP.
It’s more about actually extending his deal, which currently runs through 2026. “My understanding is that the two sides have made significant progress on a deal, not focused on giving him a raise this year, though that likely will come. It’s more on giving him an extension,” Rapoport said.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork : The #Rams are extending MVP Matthew Stafford, who has shown zero signs of actually aging. pic. twitter.
com/JlqEwjtaI5 — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2026 That’s a clear indication that Stafford wants to keep the door open for a return to the Rams in 2027, potentially putting off retirement for another year. And based on Sean McVay’s comments this offseason, the Rams will be happy to have him for as long as he wants to play. Stafford just turned 38 in February and based on the way he’s played the last two years, there’s no reason to believe he can’t still play at a high level into his 40s.