The 2025 NFL season was an incredible one for the Los Angeles Rams, with veteran star quarterback Matthew Stafford having the best season of his playing career at 37 years old. Stafford turned back the clock, resulting in winning his first NFL MVP award while leading the Rams all the way to the NFC Championship Game.
Despite suffering the disappointing loss to the division rival Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, Stafford and the Rams exceeded expectations. Even though Stafford had a career year, he wasn’t ready to decide whether he’d continue playing, a hot topic for the franchise this offseason.
Rams Making Progress in Contract Talks With Matthew Stafford
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams
Fortunately for the Rams, it seems as though Stafford wants to continue playing, as contract extension talks with the reigning NFL MVP are going well, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“The Rams and MVP QB Matthew Stafford have made significant progress on a new extension that should put Stafford in the building for the 2026 offseason,” Rapoport wrote. “A deal is not done for Stafford, whose contract runs through 2026, but Sean McVay said earlier this year he believes Stafford could play beyond this season.”
If there truly is “significant progress,” it’ll probably be only a matter of time before he puts pen to paper to secure his future with the team.
“It’s been a great ‘problem’ for the Rams, with Matthew Stafford playing at an MVP level when most players go the wrong way,” Rapoport wrote. “But they are on their way to solving it with little stress this year.”
The question now is how long Stafford will commit to, and how that will affect the team’s plans at quarterback moving forward.
Veteran Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo Considering Retirement
GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams
It seems like a foregone conclusion that Stafford will be suiting up for the Rams for a little longer.
However, veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who has been a formidable backup option under center for the Rams, appears to be considering retirement, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“Rams free agent QB Jimmy Garoppolo, considered their top option as backup QB, is considering retirement, sources say. Jimmy G, who has started 64 games during a 12-year career, has made over $156M in all. He is 34 and is mulling a final decision.”
Even though the news about Stafford’s situation is a major step forward for the Rams, Garoppolo’s decision not to return could be a concern for head coach Sean McVay and company, as it will need to be addressed ahead of the 2026 campaign.
With Stafford now 38 and having dealt with injury issues over the years, the Rams will want a reliable backup behind the star quarterback.
One option the Rams could explore is bringing in Russell Wilson, a one-time Super Bowl champion who remains unsigned and is seeking an opportunity.
Obviously, if he’s looking to be a starter, that’s not going to happen in Los Angeles or anywhere else at this point unless Aaron Rodgers decides to retire and not return to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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