The Los Angeles Rams have no illusions about their current quarterback situation: it’s year-to-year with veteran Matthew Stafford. But head coach Sean McVay is holding out hope the relationship extends beyond just one more season.
Appearing on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio with Adam Schein, McVay spoke candidly about his appreciation for Stafford and the bond the two have built over the years.
“We have a chance with him every time he’s at the switch, and love working with him,” McVay said. “And I think he can play as long as he wants… I’m hoping it’s a couple more years.”
Stafford, now 37, signed a revised deal this offseason after trade rumors swirled in 2023 and again early this year. The Rams reportedly gave Stafford permission to seek a trade, with the Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants expressing interest. But ultimately, Stafford made it clear he wanted to stay in Los Angeles, solidifying his commitment to the franchise he helped lead to a Super Bowl in 2021.
McVay emphasized that their strengthened relationship was a product of honest conversations—sometimes difficult, but ultimately productive.
“When you’re able to have real conversations with people you love and care about, you can go one of two ways,” McVay said. “You can either get further apart, or you can get closer. And there is no question in my mind that he and I are closer than ever.”
General manager Les Snead characterized the new agreement as a “renewal of vows,” a sentiment echoed by McVay. He praised Stafford not just for his football acumen, but also for the leadership and example he sets off the field.
“It doesn’t go lost on me how fortunate I am to be able to work with somebody as special as he is,” McVay said. “Both mentally, physically, and more importantly what he means with how he moves as a man… and how he positively affects and influences his teammates.”
After recalibrating their roster in recent seasons following a Super Bowl push, the Rams remained competitive in 2024. They won the NFC West, defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the Wild Card round, and nearly upset the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles in a narrow Divisional Round loss.
Stafford played a key role in that success and, according to McVay, exited the season in good health.
“I think he came out of this season feeling really good physically,” McVay noted.
In 2023, Stafford nearly pulled off a playoff win against his former team, the Detroit Lions, and delivered a strong postseason again in 2024. His resilience continues to be a cornerstone of the Rams’ identity.
However, the future remains uncertain. The Rams did not draft a quarterback in 2025, signaling they may be eyeing the 2026 class for a more long-term solution. For now, Jimmy Garoppolo serves as the experienced backup, with Stetson Bennett also on the roster.
As Stafford continues to prove he has gas left in the tank, the Rams are embracing the present while quietly preparing for a future beyond No. 9. But if McVay has his way, that transition won’t come just yet.
