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The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford have engaged in “great dialogue” regarding his contract status, head coach Sean McVay said Tuesday, expressing confidence the sides will reach an agreement before the 2026 season.
Stafford, 38, enters the final year of a two-year deal signed before last season and is scheduled to earn $40 million in 2026 with a cap hit north of $48 million. After capturing the 2025 NFL MVP award and announcing his intention to return, attention quickly shifted to whether the Rams would once again adjust his contract.
“We’ve had great dialogue,” McVay said. “I feel confident about being able to work those things out.”
Year-to-Year — But Flexible
General manager Les Snead described the situation as “stable,” noting ongoing conversations with Stafford and his representatives. While the organization continues to frame the partnership as year-to-year, Snead did not dismiss the possibility of an extension.
“I think when we say year-to-year, it’s a lot bigger than a contract,” Snead said, emphasizing the mutual commitment required to sustain elite performance.
The Rams have reworked Stafford’s contract in each of the past two offseasons. Unlike last year — when Los Angeles allowed Stafford to gauge his market before ultimately agreeing to a revised two-year, $80 million deal — negotiations this time appear far less complicated.
MVP-Level Production
Stafford is coming off arguably the finest campaign of his 17-year career, throwing for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns against eight interceptions en route to his first MVP award. He guided the Rams to two playoff victories before falling in the NFC Championship Game.
His 64,516 career regular-season passing yards rank sixth in NFL history, reinforcing his value to a franchise that views stability at quarterback as foundational.
“I do think everything starts with that position,” McVay said. “You don’t take for granted how lucky you are to have a guy like him running the show.”
Whether the solution involves adding void years, tacking on another season, or restructuring cap numbers, both sides appear aligned on continuing the partnership. With Stafford publicly committed to 2026, the remaining details now center on aligning financial structure with championship aspirations.
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