Matthew Stafford is once again a driver of offseason intrigue for the Los Angeles Rams, and his head coach shared a potentially telling update as the team and player prepare to either continue together or go their separate ways.
There is some debate about whether Stafford’s decision will be mostly about health or wealth. The latter is relevant as he enters the final year of his contract with a deadline approaching.
As for Stafford’s health, newfound clarity there could be informative about his plans for 2026.
Rams Deliver Matthew Stafford Injury Update
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams reacts against the Seattle Seahawks during the NFC Championship Game.
“Rams QB Matthew Stafford won’t need offseason surgery on the aggravated disc in his back, Sean McVay says,” LA Daily News’ Adam Grosbard reported in a post on X on February 2, following the coach’s season-ending media availability.
Stafford played in all 17 games during the 2025 regular season. It was his first 17-game slate since 2021, his first campaign in LA.
That seemed like a far-fetched idea before the season began.
Stafford was sidelined during training camp and missed the preseason due to his back injury. LA turned to Jimmy Garoppolo in his stead. Stafford went so far as to employ a specialized chamber to aid in his recovery.
The rehab to get healthy and simply being fresh from the additional rest paid off. Stafford went on to lead the league in passing yards and touchdowns during the regular season.
He also had a historic postseason, playing a clean game in the NFC Championship Game loss.
Moreover, Stafford is under contract with the Rams through 2026. He is entering the second year of a two-year, $84 million deal. The two sides re-worked the pact last offseason. Stafford’s health would appear to be a significant hurdle cleared for the Rams.
“That might be a little reason why he might not come back, if you look closely, in my opinion,” CBS Sports’ Tony Romo said on “The Pat McAfee Show” in January.
Of course, not having surgery does not guarantee Stafford will play for the Rams in 2026.
Sean McVay Sends Clear Message About Matthew Stafford
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on after facing the Arizona Cardinals.
McVay said that he is “keeping my fingers crossed” that Stafford “still wants to go play,” lauding the QB’s performance and saying he “absolutely” expects him to be a Ram in 2026.
However, McVay and the Rams are not rushing Stafford into a decision.
“I think what’s great is he’s going to take his time talk with (his wife) Kelly and the girls and see what’s best,” McVay said, per TheRams.com’s Wyatt Miller on February 2. “But man is he still playing at an incredible level. Our hope is that he does (come back).
“With respect to his timetable and ability to be able to communicate with you guys whenever he feels ready to make that announcement, we’ll let him be able to do that.”
Next month is key for both sides.
“He certainly doesn’t look like a player ready to hang up the cleats, but Stafford is certainly within his rights to consider his options this coming spring,” Spotrac Michel Ginnitti wrote on January 25. “The nearly 38-year-old is under contract at $40M in 2026, all of which is set to fully guarantee on March 15th. The Rams would be staring at a $41.9M dead cap charge if Stafford moves on here. Processing this in a Post 6/1 manner means $27.5M in 2026, $14.4M in 2027.”
Ginnitti noted that the Rams can open up $11.7 million in cap space by converting Stafford’s salary into a roster bonus. That would allow them to improve their roster even further in hopes of another extended postseason run in 2026.
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