Rams Coach Sean McVay Confident in Matthew Stafford's Future

McVay says veteran QB is 'like a fine wine, getting better with age'

Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:38am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the strategic complexities of an NFL team building around its veteran quarterback.A cubist interpretation of the Rams' ongoing quest to maximize quarterback Matthew Stafford's championship window.Phoenix Today

In an interview at the NFL annual league meeting, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay expressed his confidence in quarterback Matthew Stafford's future with the team. McVay said Stafford, the reigning NFL MVP, plans to play in 2026 and that the 38-year-old is 'like a fine wine, getting better with age.' The coach also discussed the team's approach to roster-building around Stafford's timeline.

Why it matters

Stafford's future with the Rams has been a key question, as the veteran QB is nearing the end of his career. McVay's comments provide clarity and reassurance that the team expects Stafford to continue leading the offense for at least one more season, as they aim to build on their recent Super Bowl success.

The details

During the interview, McVay said he and Stafford have had 'hard conversations' about the QB's future, but that their relationship has grown stronger as a result. McVay praised Stafford for playing 'light' and 'free' last season, and said the team wants to think about both the short-term and long-term as they construct the roster around the veteran signal-caller.

  • Stafford confirmed in his NFL MVP acceptance speech in February 2026 that he plans to play in 2026.
  • McVay's interview with Kay Adams took place at the NFL annual league meeting in Phoenix, Arizona, on Monday.

The players

Matthew Stafford

The 38-year-old Los Angeles Rams quarterback and reigning NFL MVP.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has worked closely with Stafford since acquiring him in 2021.

Kay Adams

The NFL reporter who interviewed McVay at the league meeting.

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What they’re saying

“He's like a fine wine, getting better with age. I don't see any reasons why — you don't want to put any pressure or expectations because he did an amazing job, but hey, let's just continue on this trajectory. Let's keep enjoying it.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

“The thing is, he's able to make decisions. He's gonna play this year. If he said he wanted to play a couple more years, I would believe him. But that's his decision. He's earned the right to be in those spots.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

The Rams will continue to build their roster with both the short-term and long-term in mind as they aim to maximize Stafford's remaining years as their starting quarterback.

The takeaway

McVay's comments suggest the Rams are confident in Stafford's ability to continue playing at a high level, and they are committed to supporting the veteran QB as he nears the end of his career. This alignment between the team and its star player should give the Rams the best chance to contend for another Super Bowl title in the near future.