SANTA CLARA — With general manager Les Snead and coach Sean McVay locked in on new multiyear contracts, the Rams have turned their attention to quarterback Matthew Stafford, who now faces a big decision. Does he return for an 18th NFL season or call it a career?
Stafford must consider whether to commit for another year—or even push for a new contract that raises his 2026 compensation from $42 million, which is middle of the pack for NFL quarterbacks, to the current going rate of $55 million to $60 million for a quarterback of his stature. Or does he walk off into the sunset and embrace a life that provides more time with his wife, Kelly, and their four daughters?
Whatever the 37-year-old Stafford decides will significantly shape how Snead and McVay approach the offseason. “Because there will be two different teams, with or without Matthew,” Snead said Wednesday.
With Stafford, it’s about balancing the present and the future. The Rams need to add pieces that complement a Stafford-led team while not losing sight of a soon-to-be post-Stafford era. On the other hand, if Stafford decides to step away, creating a crater-sized hole at quarterback, the roster-building approach will change dramatically.
“It won’t be a full rebuild, necessarily, but clearly a world filled with far more questions than answers,” Snead explained. Do they trade for an impact veteran quarterback or aggressively use the draft to identify and develop Stafford’s heir apparent?
“At the macro level, when Matthew’s on the horse, we go, let’s make the most of our time with Matthew,” Snead said. “And we’re well aware that there will be a time where we have to transition.”
As eager as Snead and McVay are to get an answer and adjust accordingly, they understand the importance of patience. They plan to give Stafford as much space as he needs while he sorts through his decision.
“We’re gonna give him his space,” Snead said. “Let’s call it recover and rejuvenate, and then determine, hey, do we want to get back on this horse again and go chase, earn and grab special moments together?”
Coming off a season many believe will earn him his first MVP award, Stafford is still very capable of creating those special moments.
“I think that if that’s something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely yes,” McVay said. “I think what’s great is he’s going to take his time and talk with Kelly and the girls and see what’s best, but, man, is he still playing at an incredible level.”
It’s clear what McVay’s preference is, but he wants Stafford to take the necessary time to make the decision that is best for himself and his family—however long that might take.
“He deserves as much time as he needs,” McVay said. “We spend a lot of time together. I’m hopeful, but with respect to him, we haven’t set any sort of timetable. I don’t get the sense that he wants to let it drag on, either. We’ll see what he’s feeling. I’m keeping my fingers crossed like you guys that he wants to still play.”
No matter what Stafford decides this offseason, Snead understands it’s only a matter of time before the Rams must deal with life without their star quarterback. However long they have him in the fold, they want to maximize it.
“At the end of the day, we try to keep it simple,” Snead said. “Let’s make the most of our time with Matthew. And then when the time comes that Matthew says, ‘You know what, enough’s enough,’ then let’s be prepared to transition from there.”
https://nypost.com/2026/02/04/sports/rams-await-matthew-staffords-franchise-changing-decision/
