Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Matthew Stafford News Announced Before Seahawks Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 2:32 PM ET

The Los Angeles Rams face off against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. It's a high-stakes NFC West matchup, with the winner moving on to the Super Bowl.

Matthew Stafford is leading the Rams offense. He finished the regular season completed 388-of-597 passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, eight interceptions and a 109.2 passer rating. He is one of five finalists for AP Most Valuable Player.

However, in his 17th season, the three-time Pro Bowler is on the back end of his career. Rumors have continued to swirl about whether or not Stafford could retire after the season.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford (9).Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

Before the NFC Championship Game on Sunday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport provided an update on where Stafford currently stands.

“He is going to be 38 years old next month… my understanding, though, is Stafford has told people close to him that he does believe he has some good football left, telling them no matter what, he wants to be back next year,” Rapoport said.

However, he did note a Super Bowl win could change things. "This was before the Rams went on this little run and ended up in the title game. No one knows for sure for sure if the Rams win the Super Bowl, does Matthew Stafford walk away? But at least we know he believes he has plenty left."

From @NFLGameDay Morning: #Rams QB Matthew Stafford believes he has good football left in him; Plus the #Seahawks pulled off the trade of the year by getting Rashid Shaheed. pic.twitter.com/2BRLtyRWNZ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 25, 2026

Stafford does have one more season under contract after signing a two-year, $84 million extension with Los Angeles. His cap hit of $48.26 million is set to be the 10th-highest of any quarterback in 2026.

Beyond next season, though, his time with the Rams would remain in question. A long-term extension likely isn't in the cards, meaning another shorter one or two-year deal would be more probable if each side wanted to reunite.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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