Rams QB Stafford Commits to 2026 Season After MVP Year

Head coach Sean McVay says Stafford's return 'gives a lot of confidence and excitement' for the team's future.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:54am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and energy of a football game, with sharp lines and overlapping shapes representing the strategic complexity of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the Rams' star quarterback leading his team to a potential championship run.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford has committed to playing in the 2026 season after winning his first career MVP award. Stafford privately assured head coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead of his return before making the announcement public, giving the team a major boost heading into the offseason.

Why it matters

Stafford's decision to return is a significant development for the Rams, who are looking to bounce back after a heartbreaking NFC Championship loss. As one of the league's elite quarterbacks, Stafford's commitment provides stability and optimism for the team's championship aspirations.

The details

Stafford, 37, is coming off a dominant 2025 season in which he led the NFL in passing yards (4,707) and threw 46 touchdowns against just 8 interceptions. He continued his strong play in the playoffs, throwing for 936 yards, 6 touchdowns, and only 1 interception in 3 games. Head coach Sean McVay praised Stafford not only for his on-field performance, but also for his humility, calling him 'the most humble superstar I've ever been around.'

  • Stafford announced his commitment to the 2026 season after winning the MVP award.
  • The Rams lost in the NFC Championship game in the 2025 season.

The players

Matthew Stafford

The 37-year-old quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who won his first career MVP award in 2025 after leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who praised Stafford's commitment and humility.

Les Snead

The general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, who was informed of Stafford's commitment to return in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“When he says he's in, it gives us a lot of confidence in how we move forward. It's a great consolation after not making it to the Super Bowl.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

“Your quarterback position is the foundation of everything. When you have a guy playing as well as Matthew is, and it's sustainable, it gives you confidence and excitement for the future.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

The Rams will now focus on building around Stafford for a Super Bowl run in 2026 after their disappointing NFC Championship loss.

The takeaway

Stafford's commitment to the Rams provides stability and optimism for the team's championship aspirations, as they look to bounce back from a heartbreaking playoff loss and build around one of the league's elite quarterbacks.