The Los Angeles Rams have ended months of speculation surrounding Matthew Stafford’s future by handing the reigning NFL MVP a new one-year contract extension through the 2027 season.

The agreement, announced by the Rams on Thursday, is reportedly worth $55m and could rise to $60m through incentives. Getting the deal done keeps Stafford tied to Sean McVay’s team for at least the next two seasons.

The extension comes only weeks after the Rams stunned many around the league by selecting former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson with the 13th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that briefly fuelled suggestions the franchise could already be preparing for life after Stafford. Instead, the new deal reinforces the Rams’ commitment to their veteran quarterback as they attempt to capitalise on what remains of a championship window that already delivered Super Bowl LVI.

McVay had previously sought to quiet speculation regarding Simpson’s immediate role, saying after the draft that ‘whenever that time comes for (Simpson) to get an opportunity to be Matthew’s successor will be on Matthew’s terms’.

“I didn’t want that to ever be misunderstood.…,” McVay insisted. “It is Matthew’s football team.”

Stafford, who turns 39 shortly before Super Bowl LXI at the Rams own SoFi Stadium, is coming off arguably the finest season of his 17-year NFL career. The former Detroit Lions quarterback led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdown passes while throwing only eight interceptions, earning the first MVP award of his career ahead of New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Stafford also guided the Rams to a 12-5 regular season record and a return to the NFC Championship Game, where Los Angeles fell to the eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks despite another standout postseason performance from the quarterback.

The Rams had already reworked Stafford’s previous contract during the 2025 offseason after granting him permission to gauge his market value and speak with other teams regarding potential trade interest. This latest agreement appears to bring significantly greater long-term clarity for both player and franchise.

During his MVP acceptance speech earlier this year, Stafford hinted that retirement was not yet imminent.

“I’ll see you guys next year,” he said at the time. “Hopefully, I’m not at this event and we’re getting ready for another game at SoFi.”

The new extension means Stafford now remains under contract alongside cornerstone offensive players including Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams, while McVay continues to pursue what would be a second Lombardi Trophy partnership with the veteran quarterback.