Staffordâs 2024 season was outstanding on the fieldâleading the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns in the regular season and delivering a historically strong performance in the Ramsâ NFC Championship Game.
In recent comments, Stafford emphasized that plenty goes into the decision to return, noting the emotional, mental, and physical toll on him and his family. He said he isnât ready to decide yet and will take time to reflect after the season.
The quarterback also opened up about the NFC Championship loss to Seattle, saying he lost sleep over what could have been and that he wishes he could have done more. He spoke about feeling responsible for his teamâs outcomes and the impact on teammates like Davante Adams.
Stafford expressed admiration for the Seahawks and their performance, heaped praise on Sam Darnoldâs play, and acknowledged Adamsâs deserving of a Super Bowl shot. He even predicted Seattle would win the Super Bowl, underscoring how tough the loss has been to swallow.
Amid ongoing speculation about his future, notes from Sports Illustrated in December 2025 referenced a potential âhandshake dealâ for a return, though Stafford has not publicly finalized plans for 2026. As of late January, he remained a prominent MVP candidate in Vegas odds, reflecting prevailing expectations about his talent even amid retirement-talk.
Ultimately, the Rams and Stafford must determine how to chart 2026, balancing a high-output contract with the uncertain timeline of Staffordâs decision. His comments leave room for a wide range of possibilities, with a formal commitment to return or retire still undetermined.
