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Matthew Stafford Makes Decision on 2026, Impact on Los Angeles Rams Offseason
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- Matthew Stafford Makes Decision on 2026, Impact on Los Angeles Rams Offseason
Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was named NFL MVP for the 2025 season on Thursday night, adding another milestone to a resume that will likely one day put him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He also revealed his plans for the 2026 NFL season.
After accepting the MVP award at NFL Honors, with his daughters by his side, Stafford said he can't wait to see them cheering him on next season.
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The 38-year-old quarterback has contemplated his future in football in each of the last two offseasons. Last year, he informed the Rams in January that he wanted to play again, but a contract saga that resulted in trade talks with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants created uncertainty regarding which team he would play for that fall.
Ultimately, he signed a multi-year extension to remain in Los Angeles. After telling reporters following the loss in the NFC Championship Game that he needed time to contemplate his future, Stafford provided the Rams with a definitive answer early in the offseason. Now the front office can focus on building an even better roster around him.
Read More: 2026 NFL Draft Order, Los Angeles Rams Draft Picks 2026
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How the Los Angeles Rams May Approach the Offseason
One of the biggest offseason moves for the Rams has already happened. In January, the club signed defensive back Quentin Lake to a three-year extension worth up to $42 million, ensuring that an integral part of the defense's success would remain with the unit for the long haul.
With Lake extended and kept off the open market, two other Rams free agents figure to be top priorities for new deals. Veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein is a strong candidate for a one-year deal, and it stands to reason that Los Angeles will make every effort to re-sign safety Kamren Curl before he hits free agency. Beyond those players, however, the team does not appear to have any immediate "must-sign" priorities.
After the re-signing phase, Los Angeles could still have upwards of $30 million in cap space to spend. Given their needs entering the offseason, the Rams could target someone like New Orleans Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor or Seattle Seahawks corner Riq Woolen , who are two of the top defensive backs in free agency.
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The more interesting moment will come in the 2026 NFL Draft. Because of a draft-day trade last year, the Rams hold the 13th overall pick from the Atlanta Falcons . It is a prime spot to snag one of the top cornerback prospects—Jermod McCoy or Mansoor DeLane—or potentially an offensive tackle like Spencer Fano or Francis Mauigoa. The latter position would provide a long-term plan at right tackle, while also providing Los Angeles with an excellent third tackle for next season behind Rob Havenstein and Alaric Jackson .
The 29th overall pick is where things get even more interesting. If he is available at that spot, Los Angeles could roll the dice on quarterback Ty Simpson . He is the ideal developmental passer to sit behind Matthew Stafford, allowing the Rams to execute a succession plan. Stafford would still have a Super Bowl-caliber roster around him, while Sean McVay could simultaneously develop Simpson.
Alternatively, Los Angeles could package both of its first-round picks to move into the top 10 for All-American safety Caleb Downs , or it could use one of its first-round picks on a wide receiver.
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