Matthew Stafford entered Los Angeles and proved he was the one by winning their first Lombardi of the century. Now, with an MVP season, he continues to prove himself. But the Rams know the writing on the wall all too well: The 38-year-old is closer to retirement than not, even if he plans to return.

His current year-to-year arrangement with the team only adds to the question every offseason: Will he return? As such, would general manager Les Snead already keep a quarterback in the pipeline? Of course! But is he in a hurry? He addressed that topic during a media call earlier this week.

“I think I’ve mentioned it before, we’re always working through the scenarios,” Snead told the media on Tuesday. “We’re well aware Matthew’s closer to retirement than not.

“Matthew and I had a fun text chain the night Philip Rivers was playing a Thursday game. He was on date night, and I’m like, ‘This guy’s 44.’ That was a joking thing, but let’s call it like it is. We’ve all been honest on that. We’re not desperate to. That’s always a possibility, but it’s not a desperate matter.”

After the team lost its conference game to the eventual Super Bowl winners, the Seattle Seahawks, Stafford took some time off to deliberate whether he wanted to return or retire. The Rams, having known how much success he had brought to the team since they traded for him, allowed him time to think without any pressure. However, once the quarterback announced his return, the smile on head coach Sean McVay’s face was telling. And why not!

In 2025, Matthew Stafford showed again why he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He threw for a league-high 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns and won the NFL MVP Award. His strong season proved the Los Angeles Rams still have a top quarterback leading their offense. But as much as the team is happy about their veteran leader staying, they might have a backup question on their hands.

Over the last two years, when Stafford has missed games with the Rams, the team has depended on veteran Jimmy Garoppolo. The backup, in return, has been able to suit up when he’s called. However, after playing the fewest number of games in his career as a Ram, the unrestricted free agent has a choice to test the free agency beginning March 11. And it could influence the Rams’ draft picks come April.

How Stafford’s return could influence the team’s draft picks

Before Stafford confirmed his return, Alabama’s Ty Simpson, projected as the 29th overall pick and second-best QB in the class after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, was tied to the franchise. However, now, the team might want to look into the backup position. For one, McVay knows it.

“It was tremendously valuable to have Jimmy (Garoppolo) take those reps (when Stafford wasn’t able to play in three games). Where now, our defense that he’s going against and the other 10 around him are still able to progress and be able to advance in a way that is reflective of how we want to operate.

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“You better have somebody you feel really good about that can… whether Matthew is not able to go, can they play? Then looking towards the future but how we want to be able to approach it? That position is so vital for us to be able to allow Matthew to be at his best. That’s why Jimmy was so important for us the last two years.”

So, while the urgency is there to find a backup, the starting position is squarely with Stafford, at least for one more year. Now, the team can instead focus on other requirements for the team to make another appearance in the Super Bowl and hopefully, bring the trophy back to LA.

For now, the Rams are focused on making the most of the time they still have with Matthew Stafford under center. With the veteran quarterback playing some of the best football of his career, the team believes its championship window is still open. And while the franchise continues planning for the future, Stafford himself recently made his intentions clear about what comes next in his career.

Matthew Stafford ends retirement talk with a clear message after MVP win

Matthew Stafford was awarded the first MVP award of his 17-year NFL career on February 5 at the NFL Honors ceremony. He also became the oldest player in league history to win his first MVP award so late. Amid the celebrations, the biggest question about his future was answered right away. In front of fans and cameras, the Rams quarterback made it clear that retirement is not happening yet.

“I am so happy to have you (his daughters) at the games, on the sidelines with me,” Stafford said, standing on the stage with his daughters. “And I can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass.”

The statement instantly ended months of speculation. Despite turning 38, Stafford confirmed he will return for the 2026 season. His message also showed confidence that the Rams can continue competing while he remains at a high level.

His return gives Los Angeles stability heading into the offseason. It allows the front office to focus on roster upgrades instead of rushing to find a new starting quarterback. Backup plans could still change, especially if Garoppolo leaves in free agency.

For now, the Los Angeles Rams are happy to move forward with their MVP quarterback, Matthew Stafford. His decision to return allows the team to keep building around him and aim for another strong playoff run in 2026.