Sean McVay just sent a perfectly-clear message on Matthew Stafford’s future

The Los Angeles Rams' season fell well short of expectations, as they missed out on the Super Bowl after losing 31-27 to the Seattle Seahawks. After the game, questions once again were raised about the future of quarterback Matthew Stafford. Even though he is the favorite to win the NFL MVP Award this season, there are questions as to whether he will continue playing, considering he is going to be 38 years old entering the 2026 league year.

Head coach Sean McVay downplayed the question about Stafford's status for next season when asked after the NFC Championship Game, saying, "If he still wants to play, what the hell kind of question is that?" Ultimately, McVay says it's up to Stafford if he still wants to play.

More than a week after the NFC Championship loss, McVay revealed he doesn't have a timetable for Stafford to make a decision. However, he is "hopeful" that the quarterback would want to run it back.

"I think that if that's something that he wants to do, the answer is absolutely yes," McVay said, h/t ESPN's Sarah Barshop. "... I think what's great is he's going to take his time, talk with [his wife] Kelly and the girls and see what's best.

"But man, is he still playing at an incredible level. Our hope is that he does, but I think with respect to his timetable and ability to be able to communicate with you guys whenever he feels ready to make that announcement, we'll let him be able to do that."

Sean McVay crossing fingers that Matthew Stafford will return for 2026 season

McVay continued, saying that he believes Stafford will make a decision sooner rather than later, but said that he will be "keeping my fingers crossed."

Let's not forget that last offseason the Rams let Stafford explore trade opportunities as he wanted a new contract. After negotiating with the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders, two teams serious about bringing him in to fix their quarterback woes, Stafford opted to remain with the Rams on a revised contract that paid him $44 million in the 2025 season and will give him $40 million if he's on the roster at the start of 2026 free agency. The decision to stay was a wise one for Stafford, as he is on the verge of securing his first NFL MVP Award, all while playing through a herniated disc this season.

Through 17 games this regular season, Stafford led the league with 4,707 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns, a 7.7 touchdown percentage, 236 passing first downs, and 276.9 yards gained per game. In the Rams' three playoff games, Stafford was lights out and carried the Rams to two wins. Stafford threw for 936 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, 47 passing first downs, 66 completions, and 119 pass attempts, all of which led the league.

It was an incredible season for the Rams, one that fans of the team hope won't be Stafford's last. Let's be honest, the quarterback this offseason, as a whole, looks pretty bleak. Ultimately, the decision is Stafford's on whether he wants to run it back for another season. McVay hopes that that will be the case.