Latest Rumors on Matthew Stafford's NFL Future amid Retirement Speculation, Back Injury

Matthew Stafford went from a quarterback with serious back concerns in training camp to potentially the league MVP, but it is fair to at least wonder about the 37-year-old's future after the Los Angeles Rams' postseason exit.

But fans no longer have to wonder if the Rams would want him back for 2026.

"Sean McVay telling reporters today that Stafford will not need surgery to fix that disc issue, that is an excellent thing for all sides," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday. "McVay also said if Stafford does want to return—and my understanding is, at least a couple days ago, that was his plan—that of course the Rams want him back."

That Stafford doesn't need surgery also bodes well for his chances of remaining on the short list of the best quarterbacks in the league during what will be his age-38 season.

All the Georgia product did in 2025 was complete 65 percent of his passes for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns and eight interceptions while leading the Rams to the NFC Championship Game. The passing yardage and touchdown totals were both the best in the NFL.

It was quite a performance considering he was spending time in a healing chamber for his back while missing some of training camp:

Given the back history and his age, there are going to be retirement questions for Stafford until he makes an official decision. But he wasn't exactly looking to provide that answer in the immediate aftermath of the NFC Championship Game loss to the Seattle Seahawks.

"I can't generalize six months of my life 10 minutes after a loss," he told reporters. "Appreciate the guys in this locker room a whole hell of a lot. Everybody who helped me and helped our team be as successful as we were this year. And that's all I'll answer for you."

If his level of play this season was any indication, he will be back in 2026. But first he has to make a decision.