The Los Angeles Rams are trying to pick up the pieces after their loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game, and quarterback Matthew Stafford’s future looms large over the rest of their planning.
Stafford said after the game and in the days immediately after the loss that he would take time before making his decision.
In the meantime, the Rams sent a fitting message about the three-time Pro Bowler.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Gets Message From Franchise
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on during the NFC Championship Game against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Rams will learn of Stafford’s final decision soon enough. Still, they made sure to offer a reminder of the campaign he just had.
Stafford set numerous records and earned multiple accolades, passing for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns–both of which led the NFL–and 8 interceptions on 65% completion during the regular season.
“Easy to see why he’s an MVP Finalist. [sighing emoji],” the team posted on X on Wednesday.
The Rams included a highlight reel of Stafford’s season, which saw him throw the longest touchdown pass of his career. It was an 88-yarder to Tutu Atwell in Week 4.
Stafford remains under contract for 2026, and his $40 million salary for 2026 will become guaranteed on March 15, putting a timeline on a decision from him for the Rams about retirement.
They would face a cap charge if he steps away, too.
“When I’m ready to figure that out, I’ll be ready to figure that out. That moment isn’t right now,” Stafford said on the “Let’s Go!” podcast on January 26. “I have so much more time, I feel like, to reflect on just the people and the season that we just had. I want to appreciate that and give it the time that it deserves before I start thinking personally about what’s next.”
However, even if Stafford returns, the Rams have work to do after falling short during the playoffs this past season.
Rams Urged to Shift Strategy
GettyMatthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on against the Seattle Seahawks.
Stafford put on a clinic in the NFC Championship Game, throwing for 374 yards and 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptionson 62.5% completion. However, the Rams came up short, losing 31-27.
The Athletic’s Nate Atkins compared Stafford’s efforts to the QB’s polarizing tenure with the Detroit Lions. Then, his individual numbers far outweighed the team’s success.
Atkins argued that the Rams should revert to preferring proven players over prospects.
“This wasn’t the model the Rams sold to him back in 2021. And it cannot be the model if and when he returns in 2026,” Atkins wrote on January 28. “Stars win this sport’s biggest games, and the Rams didn’t have many on defense show up in the playoffs. Defense wins championships, and it’s hard to do that with the lowest-paid defensive unit in the league.”
The Rams are in solid shape financially. So, they can also strike in free agency. However, they must be mindful of looming potential contract extensions for players. Defensive end Kobie Turner and, even more, wide receiver Puka Nacua are both eligible this offseason.
All of the Rams’ offseason plans will be based on whether or not Stafford is planning to return in 2026, though. That is expected, but remains unconfirmed by the QB.
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