The Los Angeles Rams and quarterback Matthew Stafford agreed to a short-term arrangement last offseason, leaving the veteran’s long-term future unresolved. However, as Stafford approaches his 38th birthday in February, new reporting suggests retirement is not on the horizon. This is regardless of how the 2025 season concludes.
In a detailed feature published this week by Sports Illustrated, writer Greg Bishop offered insight into Stafford’s mindset and his ongoing understanding with the Rams. According to the report, the informal agreement between both sides remains intact. Annual evaluations guide their future decisions.
Bishop wrote that no one in Stafford’s inner circle expects him to retire after this season, even if he were to win another championship. He reinforces the belief that Stafford is not seeking a storybook ending in the near term.
Retirement speculation has followed Stafford before. During the 2022 season, he missed extended time due to a spinal cord contusion, raising concerns about his long-term health. More recently, a lingering back issue again fueled questions about his durability. On the field, however, Stafford has delivered a decisive response.
Matthew Stafford gave up on history, but is driven to make more of it. He opens up to @GregBishopSI about leaving Detroit, winning in L.A. and why he never considered retiring last offseason: https://t.co/gSi4LU2JFu
— The MMQB (@theMMQB) December 31, 2025Entering Week 18, he leads the NFL with 42 touchdown passes and ranks second among qualified quarterbacks in passer rating at 108.8. He also sits near the top of the league in passing yards with 4,448. Additionally, he ranks fifth in adjusted QBR, according to Pro Football Reference. The numbers suggest that any physical decline has yet to materialize.
Stafford has also been clear about his intentions. “I don’t think [my career is] done, no. And I’m still in it,” he said, echoing the confidence expressed by those closest to him. The belief around the league is that he remains motivated, competitive, and physically capable of playing beyond 2025.
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The Rams, currently 11–5, are locked into no higher than the NFC’s No. 5 seed entering the playoffs. Despite that, betting markets remain optimistic. As of Wednesday, DraftKings Sportsbook listed Los Angeles as the second favourite to win Super Bowl LX at +550 odds.
Stafford was an early favourite for league MVP before a three-interception loss to the Atlanta Falcons shifted the race. He now trails Drake Maye in the odds, but his overall season performance continues to rank among the league’s elite.
For now, Stafford’s outlook is straightforward. He is not preparing a farewell tour. He is focused on winning, and unless circumstances change dramatically, the Rams’ veteran quarterback intends to keep playing well beyond the end of the 2025 season.
