Los Angeles have to face the reality that, sooner or later, the quarterback’s playing career would come to an end. McVay addressed that for NBC. “I don’t think about that, ever,” McVay joked. Stafford arguably had the best season of his career in 2025, winning his first MVP award while leading the Rams to the NFC Championship Game.

“No, you think about it short and long term. And here’s the thing, he’s earned the right to be on a year-to-year basis. If he told me that he wanted to play a couple more years, I’d believe him. If he told me it’s one more year, he’s earned that right. So, we understand that. I do think he’s in a situation where it wouldn’t shock me if he played more than one year. But we also have to be prepared, that if this is the last year, what does that look like?”

How they prepare in case of Stafford’s absence

Jimmy Garoppolo may have competition for the backup role as McVay admitted interest in Kirk Cousins. However, neither Garoppolo nor Cousins appear to be a long-term solution. While Stetson Bennett remains on the roster entering the final year of his rookie deal, he has yet to play in a regular-season game.

For now, any long-term successor at quarterback would have to come from outside the organization. As for the present, while Stafford and the Rams had a lengthy contract negotiation last year, and the quarterback was allowed to meet with other teams before ultimately returning to Los Angeles, things were much smoother in that regard in 2026.

“We’ve had a lot of good discussions and dialogue,” McVay said. “And you know what, it’s really along the lines of, what do you and Kelly Stafford really want? Does that look like, hey, are we going to keep that kind of year in place? Do we do anything additional? Or do we put two years in place? So, he’s working through that. But it’s been a lot smoother than last year, to say the least.”

Stafford’s numbers

Stafford, who turned 38 in February, led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns in 2025, winning his first MVP award. He was also named AP first team All-Pro for the first time.

“People make some of the connections with Kirk,” McVay said n PFT Live. “If it doesn’t work out with Jimmy, that’s definitely something that — Kirk is as influential as anybody in helping me get to L.A. in the first place.

“I know he’s got some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I’d love to have back with us.”

McVay and Cousins worked together for three seasons with the then-Washington Redskins. During that time, they helped lead the team to an NFC East division title in 2015 under head coach Jay Gruden.

Stafford’s only backup

After several seasons serving as Matthew Stafford’s primary backup, Jimmy Garoppolo entered free agency, leaving his future in the league uncertain. What will Sean McVay do next to cover his star quarterback?

For now, the only player listed in the QB room ready to take the field if needed is Stetson Bennett IV. With plenty of time before the start of a new season, it would make sense for the Los Angeles Rams to add a higher-profile player to also join this roster.

Davante Adams stays with the Rams

Although the Los Angeles Rams had shown interest in A.J. Brown, that would have inevitably required a move involving Davante Adams. McVay ultimately decided to keep one of his primary receivers.

“We have discussions all the time. I wouldn’t say discussed — we really talked about some different avenues of onboarding other players and how it might affect Davante,” the head coach said.

“I’ve talked with Davante about that, and if we felt like it was best for our team, we would’ve done that. But we didn’t think it was best for our team. So, excited about being able to move forward with him.“

What will Jimmy Garoppolo do?

Garoppolo is expected to seek a deal worth roughly $3 million annually, similar to the one-year, $3.005 million contract he played under last season. Having attempted zero passes during the 2025 regular season, he will likely have to settle for a high-end backup position rather than a guaranteed QB1 slot on the open market.

“…I know it’s the end goal bringing me in is the Lombardi Trophy, so everything we do to bring a ring back to this city is what I’m going to do,” the cornerback revealed via nbcsports.com.

His arrival to Los Angeles came at a very high cost in terms of the four draft picks that the Rams decided to offer Kansas City in return. It will ultimately be a matter of seeing at the end of the next NFL season whether it was worth it.

McDuffie’s championship rings

McDuffie played a pivotal role in the Chiefs’ back-to-back championships, securing titles in Super Bowls LVII and LVIII. As a shutdown corner, he combined elite coverage with high-impact production, recording 13 total tackles and a forced fumble across his first two Super Bowl appearances.

His ability to neutralize top receivers and provide versatility in the secondary made him an indispensable asset during Kansas City’s historic championship run alongside stars such as Patrick Mahomes.

The Rams’ last Super Bowl title

Sean McVay‘s Rams secured their latest NFL title with a thrilling 23-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. Playing at their home, SoFi Stadium, the Rams relied on a late-game connection between Matthew Stafford and MVP Cooper Kupp, who caught the game-winning touchdown with just 1:25 remaining.

Kupp finished the night with 8 receptions for 92 yards and 2 touchdowns, while the defense, led by Aaron Donald’s two sacks, held firm to clinch the franchise’s second Super Bowl trophy.

McDuffie’s versatility

Although Trent McDuffie is considered one of the best at his position in the league, the former Chiefs player sent a clear message to his new coach regarding his role on the field.

“It don’t matter where you put me,” he said. “I’ll play safety. I’ll put my hand in the dirt. Like, I hope I don’t have to. But, really, I’m just out here wanting to play ball, you know. And no matter where you put me, I’m going to work, day in and day out, to make sure that I do my job at a very high level, and that’s the guy you’re getting.”

Will the Rams add more reinforcements?

Once the news broke that the Philadelphia Eagles indicated that trading AJ Brown seemed inevitable, the Los Angeles Rams emerged as one of the main contenders.

Agreeing to bring in the wide receiver could force the franchise to make additional moves, given that they also have stars of the caliber of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. Although negotiations are reportedly on pause, Brown’s arrival to the West Coast could provide a significant boost to Stafford’s offense.

Jimmy Garoppolo served as Stafford’s primary backup until just a few weeks ago, and in a matter of days, he will become a free agent. Will the Rams look for a new face at the position? Judging by the head coach’s remarks, it would appear not.

“I love Jimmy. I would absolutely want him back. I did see those reports too on [Cardinals coach] Mike [LaFleur] trying to steal our guy, but no, Jimmy’s a really good player and so we would love him back,” McVay said to the press about Garoppolo.

“I’m sure he’ll have multiple opportunities and then we’ll see where we’re at. He’s been tremendous for the last couple of years. We’ve loved everything he’s about. You guys know how I feel about him when we’ve spoken about him and we would love him back.

“I’m also not naive to the fact that he’ll probably have a lot of opportunities and if those are things that he wants to pursue that give him a chance to play, I would understand that.”

Potential landing spots for Garoppolo

Several teams are searching for an experienced quarterback for next season, and Garoppolo is an interesting name to fill that role. With plenty of experience that includes a Super Bowl and an NFC Championship Game appearance as the San Francisco 49ers starting quarterback, he could provide insurance for teams needing reliable depth at the position.

His short-term options could be multiple: restructure his contract with the Los Angeles Rams and continue as Matthew Stafford’s backup, or seek a new destination. The Arizona Cardinals, Miami Dolphins, and New York Jets are among the teams that could be in the market for a quarterback with credentials, and Garoppolo could comfortably fit into their schemes.

Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Rams are promoting Nate Scheelhaase to become Sean McVay’s offensive coordinator. Scheelhaase was the pass-game coordinator, but now he will replace Mike LaFleur, who became the Cardinals head coach.

The Rams also promoted quarterbacks coach Dave Ragone by giving him a co-offensive coordinator title. Still, it’s worth noting it’s head coach Sean McVay the one who really runs the offense. However, Scheelhaase and Ragone will help game-planning with McVay.

Scheelhaase was a top-tier name during the coaching carousel this year

Scheelhaase was a pass-game coordinator, but he almost leapfrogged stages, as he had five different head coaching interviews this offseason. In the end, he will stay on the Rams, but he will get more looks in one year, most likely.

Scheelhaase is seen as an offensive genius, impressing with his mind and ability to direct an offense since his college career. He was a quarterback at Illinois, and he called plays at the line of scrimmage, a constant audible.

The Rams will stay as a powerhouse

By retaining defensive coordinator Chris Shula, the Rams defense will stay as an elite unit. By having McVay, with the returning Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and Davante Adams as wideouts, and pretty much all the same roster, the Rams will be a Super Bowl contender.

McVay spoke to Gary Klein of the L.A. Times. He said, “That’s the start to everything, is your quarterback position. And to be able to have a guy that’s playing as good as he’s ever played — and it’s sustainable,” McVay honestly stated. “You start all over, but man, when he says he’s in, that gives you a lot of confidence and excitement of how we can move forward.”

McVay also spoke on the fact that Stafford won the MVP. “So, really happy for him. He’s the most humble superstar I’ve ever been around, and it’s really cool. So if we can’t be playing, this is a good consolation process.” McVay is a massive fan of Stafford and feels the team can win it all with him under center.

Stafford was on a whole other level this season

Almost solidifying himself as a Hall of Famer by winning the MVP, the fact is that Stafford was incredibly effective in 2025. Stafford completed 65% of his passes for a league-leading 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns. He also had a 109.2 passer rating. Stafford was genuinely outstanding.

Much was said about the future of Stafford. In the last offseason, Stafford suffered a serious back injury and that put him in jeopardy and his career was put into questioned. However, the fact is he not only recovered, but deliver his best season ever.

McVay is going all in with expectations

A while back, Sean McVay also said what he expected the team to do with Davante Adams. One thing is for sure, McVay hates to lose. He has the Rams as a top-tier team and the fact is he might be right.

The offense is great and experienced, while the defense is elite and young. Hence, the Rams should definitely be confident going back as a contender to win it all. Also, having McVay as the head coach of course helps out.

Sean McVay just signed a multi-year contract extension. However, that might not include Matthew Stafford. For the head coach, “I’m keeping my fingers crossed like you guys that he [Stafford] still wants to go play,” McVay said to the Associated Press. Stafford is an MVP frontrunner, but he is also getting old and it wouldn’t be the first time rumors about Stafford’s retirement rise.

As for Davante Adams, he is under contract for 2026, but he is a veteran who might think twice on if he wants to keep playing. However, McVay told multiple reporters that he is “absolutely” expecting Adams to be back next season. The wideout is 33 years old.

Adams and Stafford built a special chemistry

Stafford threw a league-leading 46 touchdowns this season. Out of those, 14 were directed to Adams, who led the NFL in receiving scores. They built quite a duo, especially in the red zone.

Stafford also threw an NFL-leading 4,707 yards and 789 of them came courtesy of Davante Adams. While Adams might not be the best wideout in the NFL anymore, he is still a menacing figure in the league. Under McVay, he became the Rams most lethal weapon.

The Rams want to come back with a vengeance

The Rams must feel like this season slipped through their hands. They were arguably the best team for about 11-to-12 weeks and yet, they weren’t able to go to the Super Bowl since they lost to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.

Hence, next season they will be an aggressive team looking to go back to where the team thinks it should be. However, if Matthew Stafford or Davante Adams leave, that would be a huge blow to the franchise’s expectations.

At only 40 years old, McVay has been in his job the second-longest of any NFL head coach. That is absolulety crazy to think of given how young McVay is. McVay at first gave a quick, iconic reaction. “It’s wild, huh?” McVay said.

He then expanded on the job. “It is hard,” McVay added. “This league is challenging, but it’s always a blessing and I don’t take it for granted.” McVay has been on the job since 2017. He was just 30 years old back in the day, and he has been absolutely incredible for the Rams ever since.

Who’s the longest-tenured coach in the NFL?

As McVay said it, “Being in Year Nine, it’s crazy the turnover that occurs. Me and Kyle that year, and then Big Red in Kansas City, Coach Reid still doing his thing.” And yes, Shanahan is also on his ninth year, however, but he was hired weeks after McVay. As for Reid, he arrived at Kansas City in 2013.

The three coaches have been wildly successful. Reid has won three Super Bowls and played five. While McVay has gone to two, and it’s a game away from coaching his third if he beats the Seahawks. He has won one. As for Shanahan, he’s coached the 49ers to two Super Bowls, albeit losing them both. Still, those results explain why they are still on their jobs. They are simply elite.

There is a trend developing here

After Reid, McVay, and Shanahan, the longest-tenured coaches are Packers’ Matt LaFleur and Bengals’ Zac Taylor, who have six seasons each, according to ESPN. However, this is just too much of a coincidence to ignore. All of the head coaches are offensive-oriented. Also, only LaFleur hasn’t reached a Super Bowl appearance. Taylor went to the Super Bowl and lost to McVay in the 2021 season.

Then, look at Mike Tomlin or Sean McDermott, who had long tenures with their teams and either stepped down or were fired after this season. Those are two defensive-minded coaches. Hence, the fact is that if you are offensive-minded and somewhat successful, you will be trusted more, which is quite interesting.

It’s well-documented that LaFleur and McVay are friends, so McVay might be looking to get revenge, as Johnson eliminated LaFleur’s Packers last week from the NFL Playoffs. McVay was asked if the spoke with LaFleur this week. “What would you guess?” McVay said with a smile. “No, we watch the tape. We do our work and Matt is a very close friend of mine.” Also, LaFleur’s brother, Mike, is the Rams’ offensive coordinator.

As for Johnson, he is not worried about a possible McVay-LaFleur alliance. “I think every week everyone tries to share what they had from the week before with your next opponent. I think that’s common practice,” Johnson said. “That’s something that you just keep on doing. Like I said all along, there’s a million ways you can do things, a million plays you can call. We’re going to do what we feel like is best for that particular week for the player that we have going against the opponent.”

Ben Johnson believes too much in his playbook

The reason that Ben Johnson got the Bears head coach job was because of his huge, incredible offensive playbook. As he said, “there’s a million ways you can do things, a million plays you can call.” However, the NFL is also a league where you get studied to the last detail.

McVay is a well-known obsessive coach when it comes to details, and so are his coordinators. Hence, Johnson must really have a million ways to do stuff or he will be in a world of trouble once coordinators figure him out. Especially Chris Shula, who is getting interviews with different teams to become a head coach. However, Johnson has yet to be proved wrong.

Johnson vs McVay could be offensive football cinema

McVay has been known as an offensive genius ever since he stepped into the NFL and even more as the Rams head coach. Johnson is the NFL’s brand-new superior offensive mind, so this is a coaching matchup made in heaven.

It will be unstoppable force against another unstoppable force. Given how these teams have performed lately, it will come down to which offense is more polished and ready to get deep into their bag to take the other team by surprise.

In Week 13, the Panthers shocked the league by defeating the Rams. Now, the teams will face off again in a win-or-go-home scenario, and McVay knows Los Angeles cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes they made in that matchup.

“They did a great job,” McVay said of the Panthers‘ win in Week 13. “They made the plays to win the game and we came up short. We had our chances but there’s a lot of learning opps. There’s a lot of learning opps even when we’ve gotten the results we wanted in those 12 wins we had. But this was a good, humbling day.

“You don’t take away anything — they earned that win, but we do have a very clear understanding of what’s going to be required for us to be at our best, to do the things that are necessary first and foremost starting with ourselves, and then geared toward the opponent and the scheme. Our players have a lot of respect for these guys. We’ll be ready to go, but we know what a great challenge it’ll be.”

The pressure is on the Rams

For their 2026 Wild Card matchup against the Panthers, the Rams are listed as 10.5-point favorites. Los Angeles is clearly the more talented team on paper, but this is not a game they can take lightly.

The Rams finished the regular season with a 12–5 record, while the Panthers went 8–9. However, Carolina will host the playoff matchup after winning their division, giving them a home-field advantage that could play a significant role in the outcome.

For many fans, it is Super Bowl or bust for the Rams, while expectations are far lower for the Panthers. That imbalance puts enormous pressure on Sean McVay’s squad, as a loss to a team with a losing record would raise serious questions about whether Los Angeles was ever truly a championship contender.

Is Matthew Stafford retiring after the 2026 NFL playoffs?

Before the 2025 NFL season, Matthew Stafford agreed to a two-year, $84 million extension with the Rams. However, his future could hinge on how far Los Angeles goes in the playoffs.

According to rumors, the 37-year-old quarterback could consider retirement depending on the postseason outcome. Stafford could either walk away from the game with another Super Bowl title—or return for one final run with the Rams in 2026.

The Rams’ head coach didn’t understand what happened. “Very interesting. I didn’t get a clear explanation of everything that went on just because of some of the timing of it. I’ve never seen anything or never been a part of anything like that and I’ve grown up around this game. I’m not making excuses. We don’t do that. I don’t believe in that. It doesn’t move us forward, but we do want clarity and an understanding of the things that we can do to minimize that when we rejected the 2-point conversion.”

The Rams controlled their own destiny to win the NFC West and also to secure the No. 1 seed in the conference. Now, the path to the Super Bowl has become much more complicated, as it appears they will have to play on the road.

Puka Nacua sends controversial tweet

At the end of the game, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua sparked another major controversy on social media with a post on X about the referees that he later deleted. “Appreciate you stripes for your contribution. Lol.”

Can the Rams win the NFC West?

The Rams can win the NFC West if they secure victories against the Atlanta Falcons and the Arizona Cardinals. They also need the 49ers to lose to the Chicago Bears and for the Seahawks to lose to San Francisco in the final week.