NFL Rumors: Matthew Stafford 'Has No Plans to Retire' After Rams' 2024 Playoff Run

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't seem to have retirement on his mind.

The 35-year-old is currently gearing up for the Rams Wild Card Round matchup against the Detroit Lions, his former team. While he has appeared to be a year-to-year player due to his injury history, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported on NFL GameDay that Stafford is feeling better than he has in a while and has no thoughts of hanging his cleats up.

"Last year, he ended the season prematurely, neck and concussions issues, which is bad, but it also meant he went into the offseason with no elbow issues," Rapoport said. "That had been a theme over the last several years for Stafford. Talking to people close to him, what that meant was he was able to rehab, rest and get his arm as strong as it could be. He is vintage Matthew Stafford. These people who have seen Stafford for years say he's throwing the ball as well as has in a very long time, one reason why he has no plans to retire."

Stafford is finishing out his 15th NFL season and his 2023 was an excellent step forward after an injury-riddled 2022. He threw for 3,965 yards with 24 touchdowns and 11 interceptions and helped lead the Rams back to the playoffs. He started 15 of the team's 17 games and led the Rams to a 9-6 record in that time.

This came after he only played in nine games in 2022 after leading Los Angeles to a Super Bowl LVI victory in 2021. The injuries that derailed his 2022 made his long-term future look bleak, but his strong recovery and consistent statements of his desire to keep playing support Rapoport's report.

He is under contract through the 2026 season, although there is a potential out after 2025, and would save the Rams from a significant dead cap hit if he were to play out the remainder of his contract. If he were to continue to play at this high level, Los Angeles will remain a threat in the NFC for the next several seasons.

Before that however, Stafford will look to spoil the Lions first home playoff game since 1993. That game is set to kick off Sunday at 8:15 P.M. ET.