Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford announced his return to play in 2026 after winning the league MVP.
After 17 seasons in the career, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has won the league MVP.
Stafford showcased elite skill throughout the 2025 season, despite the Rams falling short of reaching the Super Bowl. His intentions to play in 2026 were still up in the air, but the signal caller shut everything down in his closing remark after winning the MVP.
With Stafford on stage with his four daughters, he announced that he will return in 2026.
After thanking his coaches, teammates, and family, Stafford simply said, "can’t wait for you to cheer me on next year when we’re out there kicking ass."
The initial reports of Stafford's decision came from Rams head coach Sean McVay, who indicated that he was giving the quarterback time to decide what his future would be. That same sentiment was echoed by Rams general manager Les Snead.
It was believed that Stafford would take some weeks to decide if he was set to return, but he dropped the bombshell announcement after winning the league MVP. The reactions from running back Kyren Williams and more Rams teammates prove just how big this announcement is.
The Rams remain in the championship window, and they would have the best chance at making another deep playoff run with Stafford at the helm. There is no telling if he will play past 2026, but Los Angeles will have another season to make it to the big game.
They were very close to achieving that in 2025, only being beaten by the Seattle Seahawks by four points.
With a core of players on both sides of the ball that are Pro Bowlers or All-Pros, the Rams are still in a prime position to return to the same competitive level they were at in 2025.
Snead also indicated that there would be a bigger plan in place if Stafford were to return. That could be drafting more offensive line help with their two first-round picks in 2026.
Rob Havenstein and Steve Avila are two linemen with questionable futures currently. Havenstein, more so, considering he has played 12 seasons and dealt with injuries in 2025.
There are multiple contracts the Rams will have to sort out, but Stafford's announcement of his return could spark many players on the fence with wanting to join in on this next run at making the Super Bowl.