Report: Rams' Stafford plans to play next season
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has told people close to him that he wants to return next season and doesn't plan on retiring, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Stafford, who will turn 38 years old in February, believes he can still play at a high level, Rapoport adds.
Stafford agreed to a restructured two-year contract in February to remain with the Rams for the 2025 campaign. He's locked up through the 2026 season and is scheduled to have a $48-plus million cap hit next year, according to Over The Cap.
After dealing with a back injury throughout training camp, Stafford has put together one of the best seasons of his career and is an MVP finalist. The three-time Pro Bowler completed 65% of his throws for a league-leading 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns to just eight interceptions. He ranks third in success rate and fifth by EPA/play among 30 qualified signal-callers this year, according to Ben Baldwin's database.
The Rams acquired Stafford in a trade with the Detroit Lions in March 2021. He led Los Angeles to a Super Bowl victory in his inaugural season with the franchise, the first time he's advanced past the wild-card round since being drafted first overall in 2009.
Stafford has gone 46-28 in five seasons with the Rams, and his 141 touchdown passes sit fifth among all quarterbacks during that stretch.
Los Angeles will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game at 6:30 p.m. ET on Sunday.