Matthew Stafford Gets Clear Message as Retirement Decision Looms Over Rams

Matthew Stafford has a hold on the NFL world this offseason as his future with the Los Angeles Rams and the NFL as a whole is once again in question.

The 17-year veteran led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns during the regular season. He also put on a strong postseason performance. And while the Rams fell short, losing in the NFC Championship Game, Stafford could still complete his resume this offseason.

In light of that, Stafford received some noteworthy feedback from fitting sources.

Seahawks Praise Matthew Stafford

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the New Orleans Saints.

The threat of Stafford retiring is not new for the Rams. But he completed 62.9% of his passes for 374 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions in the Rams’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks during the NFCCG. It marked a historic performance during such a defeat.

That does not count towards the decision-making, but the performance stamped what Stafford did during the regular season, according to former Rams teammate Cooper Kupp, his career.

Kupp, now a member of the Seahawks, believes Stafford is deserving of the MVP and more.

“It would be incredible. He’s had an unbelievable season and is, I think, very deserving of the award,” Kupp told reporters on February 2. “The body of work over his career is–whatever you want to say, everyone wants to pull up the statistics, and all this other stuff. Watch the tape. Watch the tape and find someone better over the last … 17 years. Find someone better. You’ll have a hard time doing it.”

Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald expects Stafford to be the MVP, too. Macdonald also holds the three-time Pro Bowler, 2021 Super Bowl champion, and 2025 First Team All-Pro’s career in high regard.

“Matthew’s a phenomenal quarterback, Hall of Fame quarterback. Dang good chance he’s going to be the MVP,” Macdonald told reporters on February 3.

“His resume speaks for … itself.”

Macdonald praised the “combination” of Stafford and Rams head coach Sean McVay, about whom the Seahawks’ HC said, “the stats back up his style, and you feel it throughout the games as well. And they operate at a high level. They’re a really good offense. They’re a really good football team. Got a lot of respect for them.”

Macdonald cited the “back and forth” nature of the Seahawks’ games against McVay and the Rams, saying it was “part of what makes it so much fun.” The two teams split their two matchups this past regular season, before Seattle got the last laugh in the playoffs.

The Rams have made it clear that Stafford will have as much time as he needs to decide on his future. His decision will have significant ramifications.

Cooper Kupp Gets Honest About Postgame Interaction With Matthew Stafford

GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams speaks with Cooper Kupp #10 against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Wild Card Playoff.

Kupp also addressed his on-field interaction with Stafford after the NFC Championship Game, when the Rams QB sought out his former top target. Stafford could be heard asking where “10” was, a reference to Kupp’s jersey number, flashing his hands to signify who he was looking for.

“I thought it was super cool. That means a lot. That’s my guy. He’s been such a good friend to me,” Kupp said.

“For him to take the time to do that in that moment, it meant a lot.”

The Rams cut Kupp during the 2025 offseason, replacing him with six-time Pro Bowler Davante Adams. The pairing worked, with Adams leading the league in TD receptions during the regular season and becoming Stafford’s favorite target in the red zone.

Kupp, though, is in the Super Bowl for a second time in his career, and he got there by beating Stafford and the Rams with one of their NFC West Rivals.

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