Rams secure Stafford in $55 million extension amid succession planning
The agreement follows the selection of Ty Simpson with the No. 13 draft pick, raising questions about the team’s long-term quarterback strategy.
The Los Angeles Rams have agreed to a one-year contract extension with quarterback Matthew Stafford, securing his presence with the franchise through the 2027 season. According to sources speaking to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the deal is valued at $55 million, with potential incentives that could raise the total value to $60 million. The Rams officially announced the extension but did not disclose specific financial terms.
The agreement leaves $105 million remaining on Stafford’s overall contract and places him among the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks, earning more than $50 million annually. This financial commitment comes despite the Rams selecting quarterback Ty Simpson with the No. 13 pick in the recent NFL draft, a move that has led to media speculation regarding Simpson as Stafford’s eventual successor.
Stafford’s return for the 2026 season was confirmed in February when he accepted his first NFL MVP award. At that time, he dispelled earlier retirement speculation by stating he would return for the upcoming season. His performance during the MVP campaign included leading the league with 4,707 passing yards, 46 passing touchdowns, and only eight interceptions.
The quarterback will turn 39 on February 7, one week before the Super Bowl is scheduled to take place at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. This upcoming season will mark Stafford’s 18th in the NFL, and his career regular-season passing yards total 64,516, ranking sixth in league history.
Stafford previously led the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 2021, a game also played at SoFi Stadium. His current contract extension ensures he remains with the team as they navigate the transition period involving their drafted quarterback, Ty Simpson.
