Rams' Sean McVay Hoping for Matthew Stafford Retirement Decision 'Sooner Than Later'
Sean McVay is hoping to have clarity on Matthew Stafford's future with the Los Angeles Rams far sooner than he had last offseason, when the veteran quarterback didn't sign a reworked contract with the team until the first day of training camp.
"We don't want to have that go on again," McVay told reporters. "I don't think that's good for anybody. I think sooner than later, being able to get that clarity. Understanding clear, open and honest communication. I think there's a lot of love coming from our part. I think there's a lot of appreciation coming from his part as well. And I think a lot sooner than later is an ideal scenario."
But when asked if Stafford would absolutely be with the Rams next season if he didn't choose to retire, McVay kept his cards close to the vest.
"We'll talk about all those things at the appropriate time," he said.
Stafford, 36, had a solid if unspectacular 2024 season, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns and eight interceptions, completing 65.8 percent of his passes while taking 28 sacks. The Rams went 10-6 in his starts (10-7) overall and reached the playoffs for the third time in Stafford's four years in Los Angeles.
And he led the Rams to an upset in the Wild Card Round over the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 209 yards and two touchdowns, before coming up just short against the Philadelphia Eagles in a snowy Divisional Round matchup.
"I know he's playing really good football," he added. "Obviously, I love him, love working with him. What he's meant to our football team has been immeasurable in a positive way."
For the Rams, the math here is pretty simple—there probably isn't an upgrade available on the market this offseason if Stafford retires, but the team would want the chance to at least insert themselves in the Sam Darnold sweepstakes if he decides to call it quits, or go after a backup plan like Russell Wilson or Justin Fields. With $49.3 million in cap space, per Spotrac, the Rams will have financial flexibility to replace Stafford if needed.
That won't be possible if the veteran quarterback hems and haws on his retirement decision, however.
Stafford told reporters after the Eagles loss that he would "take some time to think about [my future]. But I feel like I was playing some pretty good ball."
"Sure feels like it," he added when asked if he still has good football left in the tank.
It will be an interesting offseason in Los Angeles. But a reunion between the veteran quarterback and the organization would make sense for both sides if Stafford decides to continue his career.
