Rams Believe Matthew Stafford Era Could Stretch Beyond 2027 Despite Ty Simpson Draft Selection

Most are assuming that the Rams latest contract restructure with Matthew Stafford and subsequent extension will be the final deal of his NFL career, but that’s not absolutely the case.

Stafford is 38, but we have seen quarterbacks win big into their 40s, and league sources indicated that some of the concerns with Stafford’s back last offseason have not been a problem this spring and summer. 

Furthermore, SportsBoom continue to hear that future Hall of Fame defensive tackle Aaron Donald will be back with the Rams, ending a considerable retirement, and Stafford has been hinting lately that he is not necessarily year-to-year with his future.

Stafford is acutely aware of what Tom Brady accomplished deep in his career and after spending the first decade of his career getting pummeled in Detroit on bad teams, and the Rams are the ultimate all-in franchise, willing to deal future assets for present value. 

Yes, the just selected developmental quarterback Ty Simpson in the first round, but there is a precedent for quarterbacks sitting more than two years despite being selected that high, and we’ve also seen coaches from the Sean McVay/Kyle Shanahan coaching family tree admit defeat on draft picks who didn’t develop as they’d like (the 49ers traded Trey Lance when he was beat out by the last pick in the draft, Brock Purdy).

Is 40 The New 30?

The bottom line is, according to sources familiar with McVay’s thinking, he wants Stafford, the reigning MVP, to be his starting quarterback as long as Stafford wants to do it and can still perform at a high level. 

Considering the season Stafford just had, that’s not a done deal after the 2027 season. 

“The amount of respect we have for (Stafford) goes beyond words,” is how one member of the organization told SportsBoom in the aftermath of the surprising selection of Simpson.

Stafford recently said on Kris Long’s “Green Light” podcast that he may be willing to “keep going” beyond 2027 but believes it would be unfair to the team and himself to make a commitment beyond that. 

Winning another Super Bowl, the Rams are the betting favourites, might also prompt him to go out on top, but there are also possible scenarios that could see this era of Rams football extended.