Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is returning to the NFL for another season, and the decision is already paying off for his legacy. The veteran signal-caller recently received a significant boost to his Hall of Fame résumé following new recognition of his all-time status.
Stafford fell short of reaching his second Super Bowl appearance after the Los Angeles Rams lost in the NFC Championship Game, but he still secured a major consolation prize by winning his first career NFL MVP award. He used the moment to announce his return for the 2026 season, with the Rams expected to once again compete for a championship.
The MVP award strengthened Stafford’s Hall of Fame case, but a new historical ranking further confirms his elite standing.
Matthew Stafford Ranked Among the Greatest QBs in NFL History
A new list of the top 99 quarterbacks in NFL history published by Bleacher Report ranked Stafford No. 20 overall, citing his long track record of production dating back to his days as the No. 1 overall pick in Detroit.
“Matthew Stafford just keeps adding to what should eventually be a Hall of Fame career,” the report stated. “He already has a strong case for Canton even if he hadn’t returned for another season.”
While Stafford experienced limited postseason success during his time with the Lions, the outlet emphasized that his individual performance was historically impressive.
“Although Stafford never found playoff success in Detroit, he had one of the most prolific careers in franchise history,” the report noted. “His 45,109 passing yards with the Lions alone would rank inside the NFL’s top 20 all-time. His 282 touchdowns in Detroit exceed the career total of Joe Montana.”
Strong Outlook for Stafford in 2026
Despite the Rams missing out on a Super Bowl appearance this season, USA Today analyst Jacob Camenker labeled Stafford one of the biggest “winners” of the 2025 NFL season. Camenker wrote that the MVP award may eliminate any remaining doubts about Stafford’s Hall of Fame credentials.
“That MVP award could carry significant weight when Hall of Fame voters evaluate Stafford’s career,” Camenker wrote. “He now owns both a league MVP and a Super Bowl championship. Combined with his top-10 rankings in career passing yards and touchdowns, he is firmly in the Hall of Fame conversation.”
Stafford could further enhance his résumé in 2026, as the Rams are viewed as early Super Bowl contenders and will return many of their core players.
Lions Face Uncertain Future Post-Stafford Trade
Meanwhile, Detroit’s long-term outlook remains less certain. The Lions benefited from the 2021 trade by acquiring quarterback Jared Goff, who developed into a franchise cornerstone. However, after missing the playoffs in 2025, the organization now faces a challenging offseason.
Several key players on both sides of the ball are approaching free agency, forcing Detroit into difficult roster decisions as they attempt to return to contention.
