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Why Matthew Stafford's $55M Rams extension changes everything originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Few outcomes felt more inevitable than the Los Angeles Rams keeping Matthew Stafford under contract beyond 2026, but the actual terms still raised eyebrows around the league on Thursday.
The reigning NFL MVP and his team finalized a one-year extension that can climb to $60 million with incentives, building on a deal that already had one season left.
The base value sits at $55 million, with two years and up to $105 million now remaining on Stafford's contract. That moves the 38-year-old into the same tier as quarterbacks earning more than $50 million per season, an unthinkable benchmark for a player of his age a few seasons ago, approximately $150,685 per day.
Why the Rams chose to invest heavily in their quarterback ahead of Super Bowl LXI
Super Bowl LXI is scheduled for SoFi Stadium in February, the same venue where Stafford led the Rams to their last championship during the 2021 season.
He will turn 39 exactly one week before kickoff. There was real chatter earlier this offseason that Stafford could retire, but he ended that speculation in February while accepting his MVP award.
"I'll see you guys next year," he said.
His 2025 numbers explain why the front office moved aggressively. Stafford threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns against just eight interceptions on his way to MVP honors.
The succession plan is already in place. Los Angeles selected Ty Simpson with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that drew criticism from analysts who wanted a more immediate impact player like Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. or USC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Simpson now has additional runway to develop behind Stafford rather than being pushed into the rotation early.
The Rams clearly believe the production justifies it; the team's championship window stays open as long as he keeps producing.
More NFL news:
- Eli Manning explains why the Chargers were never really an option for him
- Panthers reportedly won't extend Bryce Young before 2026 season
- NFL VP Mike North has a blunt message for teams upset about scheduling
- Deion Sanders believes he has information Todd Monken needs to hear
- Tom Brady set to call his very first New England game as analyst
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