Rams already know what it will take to keep Matthew Stafford coming back

As long as Matthew Stafford wants it, the starting quarterback job is his. Head coach Sean McVay made that much clear. The important part is at the beginning: No. 9 has to want to play. And it's on the Los Angeles Rams to keep him coming back.

In an interview on Chris Long's Green Light podcast, Stafford said he reached out to Hall of Famers Drew Brees and Tom Brady about life as an elderly statesman. He is, after all, 38 years old, entering Year 18. He's taking it one season at a time. Whether Stafford calls it quits in a year or continues playing, he wants to make sure it's the right decision.

He did drop some bread crumbs, though, as far as a potential timeline:

"And hopefully, I feel great at the end of next year, and I’m ready to play another one after that."

Rams QB Matthew Stafford

There is no fixed number in the sky. 'I want to play 20 seasons.' No. Instead, Stafford has relied on how he feels to guide his next move. It sounds like he wants to play into 2027, but nothing is guaranteed.

While protecting the quarterback is always a priority, the Rams' offensive line is under even more pressure to ensure Stafford remains upright, free from injury and avoidable aches and pains. Not only is it crucial for the offense to function, it could decide whether he is back next season or not.

Matthew Stafford is the last remaining pillar on Rams roster

Stafford was the deserving recipient of the 2025 MVP. A joint honor should also be extended to the Rams' offensive line, which surrendered just 23 sacks all year, the fewest in the NFL. That security in the pocket allowed Stafford to shred secondaries to the tune of 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns, both league highs.

After a disappointing 5-12 finish in 2022, L.A. purged the roster of all expensive veterans except for defensive tackle Aaron Donald, receiver Cooper Kupp, and Stafford.

Donald retired after he lost the passion for the game. Kupp was released after his body could no longer withstand his role. Only Stafford remains, a testament to his competitive drive and training regimen. Even he is showing his age in some respects, such as his much-reduced mobility in the pocket.

Protecting Stafford is the offense's highest priority. Alongside ill-timed receiver injuries, perhaps that is what motivated McVay to explore 12- and 13-personnel sub-packages so thoroughly last season. After all, each tight end becomes one more potential blocker. The defense is left to guess which, if any, will release and become a passing target, giving Stafford options while supplementing his protection.

The offensive line is well aware of its No. 1 task this season. And if the Horns are to have any hope of luring Stafford back, they will have to keep him well protected.

As always, thanks for reading.

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