Before the recent flurry of trade discussions surrounding Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, which saw the Raiders and Giants emerge as leading contenders, Stafford first had to decide whether he would continue his NFL career in 2025. Shortly after the Rams’ divisional-round loss to the Eagles, Stafford confirmed his intention to play on.
Given their 2024 contract restructure, both Stafford and the Rams knew further adjustments would be necessary. This year, the team granted Stafford permission to explore his market value with other teams. While Las Vegas and New York were prepared to offer significant draft capital and a two-year contract with up to $100 million in guarantees, Stafford ultimately chose to remain with the Rams, agreeing to another reworked deal.
Matthew Stafford Deal Offers No Certainty Beyond 2025
Head coach Sean McVay confirmed that, similar to last year, deferred compensation in Stafford’s contract was accelerated to this season, facilitating the new agreement. Although the precise financial details remain undisclosed, it’s clear that Stafford’s contract, which runs through 2026, was not extended. Consequently, next offseason, the Rams will need to negotiate an actual extension or raise to retain Stafford beyond 2026.
This assumes that the 37-year-old Stafford intends to continue playing in 2026. While circumstances can change, Stafford’s recent comments suggest he is not planning another retirement deliberation. On Travis and Jason Kelce’s “New Heights” podcast, Stafford stated, “I’m going to be [with the Rams] at least another year, and hopefully some after that.” He described this offseason’s uncertainty as “a little nerve-wracking,” and while similar uncertainty may arise next year, it is likely to be contract-related rather than retirement-related. Though Stafford preferred to stay with the Rams, his use of “hopefully” indicates that his long-term future with the team is not guaranteed.
Los Angeles Rams Future At TE and RT
The long-term futures of tight end Tyler Higbee and right tackle Rob Havenstein are also uncertain, as they enter contract years. McVay confirmed that both will return this season. As Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic noted, the fact that both players had one year remaining on their contracts, combined with injury concerns, prompted McVay’s confirmation. Higbee, 32, has been the Rams’ starting tight end since 2017 but suffered a significant knee injury in the 2023 postseason, impacting his 2024 season. He also suffered a chest injury in the 2025 wildcard round but played in the divisional round.
Havenstein, entering his age-33 season, has been a consistent presence at right tackle since joining the Rams in 2015. Despite not receiving Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors, he has started every game he has played and consistently received high grades from Pro Football Focus. His continued presence is critical for the Rams, particularly for an aging quarterback and a team aiming for another playoff run.
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