Sean McVay just gave a hint as to Rams future that GM Les Snead can't ignore

As the 12-5 Los Angeles Rams get ready for the rematch against the 8-9 Carolina Panthers, there is the spectre of 2026 lying in wait on the horizon. After all, even if Los Angeles wins Super Bowl LX, they will play just four more games. Beyond that, there is the ether of 'next season' that 18 NFL teams have already pivoted to address.

And no, it's not solely about the 2026 NFL Draft.

Let's start with the multi-million dollar question. Who will start for LA at quarterback next season? While his MVP-worthy season makes the answer obvious, veteran Matthew Stafford struggled simply to step onto the football field this season. But head coach Sean McVay was emphatic in his recent endorsement of Stafford as his quarterback.

And general manager Les Snead would be wise to take heed.

And with that statement, it appears that any doubts as to whether or not Stafford will be back in 2026 were brushed aside. Matthew Stafford is custom-built to run McVay's offense.

Sean McVay loves Matthew Stafford in the pocket, but...

While the biggest question appears to have its answer, there are a number of questions that arise if the team plans to be led by the former Georgia quarterback in 2026. What type of questions? Well, several come to mind.

1. Can the team count on another MVP-like season?

From the beginning of the offseason through training camp, the ability of Stafford and LA to agree on welcoming him back seemed unlikely. First, it was about the money. Then it was about a back injury that benched the girl-dad quarterback until the last possible moment. It all worked out, as Stafford had one of the most complete seasons of his career.

But is it fool's gold?

The challenge is that Stafford's season is unlikely to be repeated. Not only is this his best season in Horns, but his effectiveness in the pocket is historically epic. Still, he is more likely to revert to his seasonal averages next season. And the team has to understand that likelihood.

2. Show me the money?

Ah, yes, money is king. As much as players love to compete in the sport, it will come down to money. And if you thought last year's negotiations were tough, you haven't seen anything yet. Stafford just put up the best season of his career. But general manager Les Snead knows that may very likely be a one-off.

How do you settle on the value of Stafford's contract next season? Do you pay him for 2025 and risk a huge overpay? Or do you try to keep the finances grounded, and risk another stalemate?

Nothing comes easy when it comes to money.

3. What about a succession plan?

The 2025 succession plan was a bit shaky, but feasible and sound. Behind Stafford, the team boasted veteran Jimmy Garoppolo and younger Stetson Bennett. But Jimmy G is getting long in the tooth, and Bennett will be on the final year of his contract.

The team cannot count on the free agency market to deliver salvation on this one. Even with a returning veteran, the team has to adopt a longer view for the position.

4. Will front office be patient in rebooting offense?

The final concern is the disparity between the price tags of the offense and defense. If the team has any hope to balance the books on offense, an infusion of younger (and less expensive) players is a must. But in doing so, it almost forces the team to go younger on offense.

Stafford can mentor younger players, but he cannot be expected to do so if they are on the football field in their rookie season. Just examine how little work offensive rookies earned this season, because it will be much worse next year.

That will alter the offseason strategy, too. Rookie offensive linemen will not be expected to protect Stafford in 2026. Rookie wide receivers will need to be exceptional to get targets. And the team is not about to cast aside proven veterans to rely upon youth.

At some point, this team will need to reboot the offense. But for now, it sounds like Stafford will be back, and that sets the stage for veterans to rule the offense once more.

As always, thanks for reading.