Matthew Stafford gives Terminator's response to question everyone wanted answered

The Los Angeles Rams finished the 2025 NFL season with a record of 12-5. The team advanced all the way to the NFC Championship game. And LA's offense was a well-oiled machine, improving its scoring by more than 40 percent to lead the NFL in points. Still, the future has been shrouded by the uncertainty of whether or not Matthew Stafford would be willing to return for his 18th NFL season.

He ended all debates. It was a simple statement made during his MVP acceptance speech that you may have missed. So to ensure you don't miss it today, here is how he replied to the same question when posed after the NFL awards event:

"Oh, yeah. I will be back."

Matthew Stafford

And so, the team that found a way to the NFL Championship Game has assurances that its offensive captain will indeed be back. We've laid out the most likely framework of personnel tactics to look for to optimize the team with the girl-dad quarterback's return. But what does this mean for the offense on the field?

Matthew Stafford's return dictates Rams offseason strategy

Four things motivate NFL players. The first is the pure passion for the games themselves. The second is individual accomplishments and accolades. The third is money. But the fourth is the need to contribute to an NFL team that wins a Super Bowl.

Over the life of an NFL player's career, money and individual awards wane. Even passion for the game can be lost in the business-like environment of some teams' cultures. But the drive to win a Super Bowl is the one box almost every NFL player wants to check off.

It's rare to do so. And perhaps it's that uniqueness that makes it such a strong motivator as players begin to realize that their careers will not go on forever.

NFL players have made no bones about loving to play football for the Los Angeles Rams. Right now, the defense is starting to mature. Players will be seeking second (and more lucrative) contracts. So the team will have limited dollars but earnest interest in reinforcing a defense that struggled after some key players were injured.

The shopping list may not have shrunk, but the priorities certainly have changed right now. Extending players will be significant. But adding the right veteran pieces will take center stage as well. And for those who love what the team has done in recent drafts, you may be well-advised to hit the pause button this year.

Unless a rookie prospect is a sure-fire Day 1 starter on offense, defense, or special teams, nothing is set in stone any longer.

As always, thanks for reading.