Matthew Stafford's future doubt creates worst-case scenario for heartbroken fans

The Los Angeles Rams are presumed to be set at quarterback for 2026. After all the struggles to re-negotiate a satisfactory contract with veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, the team ensured not to fall into the same fiscal pitfall next season. And after blazing defenses in an MVP-esque manner, the team wants its veteran QB back in the worst way.

So the answer was obvious when a reporter asked if the girl-dad quarterback wanted to be back next season, right? Of course, he wanted to be back. What kind of a question was that? But this is where the story takes a shocking plot twist.

Matthew Stafford declined to answer the question.

The team wants him to return. Just moments after the loss, head coach Sean McVay re-emphasized how much the team wants the ex-Georgia Bulldog under center. But the stark contrast of McVay's enthusiastic interest in another season with the starting quarterback was even more dramatic thanks to Matthew Stafford's lack of response to the direct question.

Matthew Stafford sending mixed signals is Rams worst-case scenario

As great as LA Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford played this season, something seemed to be off in the NFL playoffs. No, he played as productively as ever. In fact, he was the first NFL quarterback to throw for over 350 passing yards and three or more touchdown passes while starting in a playoff game and still lose that game.

Stafford averaged 312 passing yards and two passing touchdowns to just 0.33 interceptions in the playoffs this season. He still commands this offense.

However, there were some signs that the seasoned veteran is starting to fade. In 2021, Stafford's playoff accuracy was 70 percent. But that accuracy has declined every season since. This year, he barely managed to complete 55.5 percent of his passes.

And then there's this:

The longest pass in his first playoff series with the Rams was 70 yards. That distance has fallen each season as well. In three playoff games this year, his longest throw was just 40 yards. Subtle signs, indeed. But for general manager Les Snead, that decline should be sounding the Klaxon for the team to address LA's need for a quarterback succession plan.

Nobody is suggesting that it's time to ship the starting quarterback to the glue factory. But the competitive nature of Matthew Stafford himself may not be pleased with his subtle decline. After all, he is a guy who will stand tall in the pocket with a separated shoulder to throw a game-winning pass.

Perhaps the toll on his body is beginning to show.

The guy nearly didn't play for the team this season due to a non-football-related back injury. If he voluntarily chooses to step away from the game, he has earned that right. And his production would show that he still has what it takes to play the quarterback position.

Measure twice, cut once. However Matthew Stafford might address his future in the NFL, there will be no do-overs. The team wants him back, yes. But only if he wants to be back. Right now, that does not appear to be the case.

Les Snead waited for Von Miller to decide his future with the LA Rams. And when he chose to accept the Buffalo Bills' offer, the team was left scrambling for an alternative pass rusher. Hopefully, the team will not allow itself to be ransomed by Stafford's indecision.

That would be the cruelest worst-case scenario these fans might face this offseason.

As always, thanks for reading.