Rams Answer QB Uncertainty With $55M Matthew Stafford Decision
The Los Angeles Rams re-signed QB Matthew Stafford to a one-year contract extension for $55 million for the 2027 NFL season, tying him to the team for at least the next two years.
The 38-year-old quarterback, who is coming off an MVP season for the Rams, was rumored to be potentially considering retirement after the Rams lost to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Conference Championship. But after thinking things over, Stafford decided to return to the team and try to win another Super Bowl, which he accomplished with the Rams in 2022 when they beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 in Super Bowl LVI. Now that he's signed an extension, he'll be with the Rams for at least the next two seasons.
Why Did Matthew Stafford Sign An Extension With the Rams?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Stafford's 2027 extension is for $55 million, plus up to $5 million in incentives, giving him potentially $60 million that season, and giving him $105 million in salary over the next two seasons. Given that he and his wife, Kelly, have four young daughters, it makes sense that he would try to make as much money as he can before he turns 40, ensuring his children have financial stability for the rest of their lives.
For the Rams, having their franchise QB back under center for the next two seasons ensures franchise stability. Rams head coach Sean McVay absolutely loves Stafford, and why wouldn't he? After all, Stafford has been a godsend to the franchise since he joined them in 2021, leading the team to a Super Bowl in his first season and to the postseason in four of his five years as the Rams' starting QB. Stafford's overall record of 46-28 as the Rams' starting QB is impressive, as is his 98.5 passer rating. Plus, he just won his first MVP after leading the league with 4707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns. No wonder the Rams wanted to extend him.
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Where Does This Leave Ty Simpson?
One thing to consider with the news of Stafford's contract extension is, where does it leave rookie QB Ty Simpson?
The 23-year-old QB was drafted with the 13th overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft out of the Alabama Crimson Tide.
When the Rams drafted Simpson, it was a surprise to many, as they already had Stafford under contract for next season, so he won't play this year unless Stafford suffers a serious injury. Now that Stafford has signed an extension for an additional season on top of next year, Simpson is likely going to ride the pine for at least two years. So his selection with the No. 13 overall pick is looking a bit questionable right now, since the Rams won't be able to use him for at least two more seasons, barring Stafford's health.
That being said, the team has to think about the future, and Simpson is their succession plan for when Stafford does retire.
Based on how well Stafford played this past season, there is no reason to think he can't play until his 40s, like Aaron Rodgers is doing. But given Stafford has four young daughters, he likely doesn't want to play forever, so it makes sense that he will play until he's 40 when this contract ends, and then likely hang up his cleats for good.
Then, Simpson can take over as the Rams' starting QB of the future, after he learned everything he could about the NFL for two seasons behind one of the NFL's all-time great QBs in Stafford.
Related: NFL Insider Reveals Why Rams Took Ty Simpson at No. 13 Overall
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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 10:47 AM.