Written by Rhea Alison, Sports reporter, covering international sports since 2020.
The Matthew Stafford contract extension became one of the biggest NFL stories on Friday after the Los Angeles Rams reportedly agreed to a new one year, $55 million extension with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. The deal was reported shortly after the team’s surprising first-round selection of Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson in the 2026 NFL Draft. Stafford’s extension keeps him tied to Los Angeles through the 2027 season and shows the Rams still believe the veteran gives them the best chance to compete for another Super Bowl run.
Rams Still Back Stafford Despite Drafting Ty Simpson
The timing of the extension caught attention across the NFL because the Rams recently used the 13th overall pick on quarterback Ty Simpson. Many fans believed the move signaled the beginning of a transition at quarterback.
Instead, head coach Sean McVay quickly shut down that idea after the draft.
“Let’s make one thing clear, this is Matthew’s team. You get a chance to be able to address the backup quarterback, we’ve got Stetson, we’ve talked about the importance of [former Rams backup Jimmy Garoppolo].”
The Rams confirmed the extension shortly after reports from ESPN surfaced. According to reports, Stafford could earn as much as $60 million through incentives.
Stafford Continues to Perform at Elite Level
Even at 38 years old, Stafford remains one of the NFL’s most productive quarterbacks. Last season, he threw for 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns while leading the Rams to a 12-5 record. His strong form earned him the first MVP award of his career.
Fans inside SoFi Stadium regularly erupted whenever Stafford connected on deep throws during key moments late in games. His calm presence in pressure situations helped the Rams reach the NFC Championship Game before falling to the Seattle Seahawks.
The extension suggests Los Angeles still sees its championship window open with Stafford leading the offense.
What This Means for the Rams
While Ty Simpson may eventually become the franchise quarterback, the Rams are clearly focused on winning now. Stafford’s experience, chemistry with the offense, and leadership inside the locker room remain difficult to replace.
The bigger question moving forward may be how long Stafford wants to continue playing. If he stays through 2027, he is expected to earn more than $100 million from the Rams over the remaining years of his deal.
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