Sean McVay confirms worst fears about Matthew Stafford's future

You might think that the Los Angeles Rams have every reason in the world to expect soon-to-be 38-year-old quarterback Matthew Stafford to return in 2026. And you may be right. But head coach Sean McVay is saying right now that his starting quarterback has not decided if he wants to return for an 18th season of football.

Yes, LA wants him back. The problem remains that Stafford struggled to suit up throughout training camp due to an aggravated disc injury. The injury was not attributable to football-related activities. And so, the girl-dad quarterback must decide whether his body can withstand the pounding of the pocket one more season.

Head coach Sean McVay is so nervous and superstitious over his starting quarterback's future that he admits that he has his fingers crossed. That's not a very positive indication for fans hoping for reassurance. McVay is giving none. He can't. There is no evidence either way at the moment.

Matthew Stafford may be holding Rams ransom with indecision

This feels like deja vu all over again. After winning Super Bowl LVI, the LA Rams allowed then free agent outside linebacker Von Miller all the time in the world to decide on his next team. When he elected to sign with the Buffalo Bills, general manager Les Snead was left holding the empty bag.

The team scrambled to concoct a Plan B, but the 2022 disaster was the result.

Unfortunately, the current Rams roster has no viable Plan B if Matthew Stafford is unwilling to return in 2026. And that is not great news for a team that was just two victories away from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

No, this is not clickbait. The risk of Matthew Stafford choosing to retire is very real. Why else would Sean McVay scare the stuffing out of hopeful fans with a statement that clearly indicates the entire matter remains up in the air?

No timetable is the most concerning tell in that information. That could negate any hope general manager may sign a viable veteran quarterback for a rebound in 2026. That lack of a timetable could also impact the team's draft plans to bring a viable future quarterback successor aboard.

Matthew Stafford certainly has a very important decision to make. And as much as it may pain fans to give him the time and respect to do so, it's important to do exactly that. He must decide if his body can handle the risk of serious injury. He must also weigh the needs of his family against his desire to compete in professional football.

It's not a slam dunk decision.

Yes, fans want him back. Yes, coaches and players want him back as well. But this is his decision, and his alone. The worst thing fans can do is be indignant or disrespectful while he weighs out his options. Matthew Stafford just put up MVP numbers for Los Angeles. Hopefully, he and his family will feel his Herculean efforts were appreciated.

As always, thanks for reading.