McVay offered an update on Stafford’s status, saying that if retirement is Stafford’s choice, “the answer is absolutely yes.” He added that Stafford will take his time, consult with Kelly and the family, and decide what’s best, noting Stafford is still playing at an elite level and the Rams will respect his timetable and communication when he’s ready to address it publicly.
Stafford is nearing 38, and his routine has grown increasingly demanding. He has described starting days at five in the morning to fit in rehab before meetings, and he has spoken openly about the ongoing toll of leading a high-pressure NFL offense, with “little aches and pains” that never fully go away.
Despite the grind, Stafford is not rushing a decision. “When I’m ready to figure that out, I’ll be ready to figure that out,” he said, emphasizing that retirement will hinge on physical, mental, and emotional factors and, importantly, family considerations with wife Kelly and their children.
McVay also stressed that he’s keeping “fingers-crossed” Stafford will return, while acknowledging there’s no timetable in place. He highlighted the Rams’ respect for Stafford’s process and the need to give him space to decide his future.
This season, with Stafford at the helm, the Rams appeared to be Super Bowl contenders, led by a standout stat line: 4,707 passing yards, 46 touchdown passes, and just eight interceptions as he directed the offense to the NFC Championship Game.
For now, the Rams’ plan hinges on Stafford’s decision and their ability to navigate quarterback depth in a draft class that lacks strong options. Jimmy Garoppolo sits as a lineage-defining backup, but Los Angeles would prefer not to begin 2026 with him as the starter, especially with two first-round picks and a need for longer-term stability at the position. The organization will continue to monitor Stafford’s pace and wait for a definitive answer.
