Stafford to assess NFL future yearly despite Rams deal

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford said he plans to decide how long he keeps playing on a season-by-season basis, even after agreeing to a contract extension that runs through the 2027 season. Speaking on Chris Long’s “Green Light” podcast, Stafford said he wants to reassess how he feels physically, mentally and emotionally at the end of each year before committing to another season.

The 38-year-old said his focus is on the upcoming campaign, with the next decision point coming once the season is over.

Stafford said the approach is intended to be fair both to his family and to the Rams. He said he does not want to speak too far into the future and then reach a point where he is ready to step away earlier than his contract might imply, leaving the club to adjust after planning around a longer timeline.

He added that he does not want to continue playing if he cannot be fully committed to the role. Stafford framed the stance as a practical way to keep his plans aligned with how he feels at the end of each season rather than what an agreement says on paper.

Rams extension provides runway, not a fixed timeline

Stafford’s comments followed an offseason in which he agreed to an extension tying him to Los Angeles through 2027. He described the idea of committing too far ahead as “daunting,” and said he prefers not to lock himself into a fixed schedule if his priorities or readiness change.

Stafford said he wants to avoid signing a long-term deal and then feeling ready to retire after one more season, with the Rams left to pivot while multiple years remain on the contract. He said the year-by-year approach helps the organization plan around a more honest annual evaluation.

For the Rams, Stafford’s position suggests the clearest indication of his longer-term intentions is most likely to come after the next season, when he reassesses his health, motivation and willingness to take on another full offseason and season.

Conversations with Brady and Brees on late-career longevity

Stafford said he has spoken with Tom Brady and Drew Brees—two quarterbacks who played into their 40s—about managing longevity late in a career. He said those conversations helped him think through what is realistic as he moves deeper into his late 30s.

Stafford highlighted advice from Brees ahead of last season, saying Brees suggested that a quarterback’s best stretch can still be ahead at that stage. Stafford said that perspective “lit a fire” under him and reinforced his belief that high-level performance can continue with the right preparation and mindset.

Stafford also stressed that the year-to-year approach is not an immediate retirement signal. The next meaningful update, he said, will come after the season concludes, with his health and performance likely to shape whether he wants another run.