Former Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will not be retiring after the Los Angeles Rams’ NFC Championship loss, according to new reports. Despite falling short of another Super Bowl appearance, Stafford is expected to return for the 2026 NFL season.

Stafford had been linked to possible retirement rumors last offseason but ultimately signed a two-year deal with the Rams. That agreement reportedly allows him to reassess his future after each season, and his decision appears to be made.

Matthew Stafford Plans to Return in 2026

The Rams lost 31–27 to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game after Stafford nearly led a late comeback. Although another Super Bowl run could have boosted his Hall of Fame résumé, SI.com reporter Greg Bishop says Stafford is not ready to walk away.

“The handshake deal remains in place,” Bishop wrote. “Each year, Stafford and the Rams will do their own assessments. Never say never, but no one in his inner circle believes Stafford will retire after this season — even if he were to win another championship.”

With much of their core roster returning on both offense and defense, the Rams are expected to remain contenders in the NFC West next season, giving Stafford another chance to compete for a Super Bowl title.

Lions Also Benefiting From Stafford Trade

The Lions, meanwhile, continue to reap the benefits of the blockbuster 2021 trade that sent Stafford to Los Angeles. Quarterback Jared Goff helped turn Detroit into a playoff-caliber team, though the Lions missed the postseason this year.

Despite the disappointing campaign, head coach Dan Campbell dismissed any speculation about moving on from Goff.

“Jared Goff is a stud. He’s an absolute stud,” Campbell said on 97.1 The Ticket. “We’re fortunate to have him as a quarterback. He’s a winning quarterback in this league.”

Stafford’s Hall of Fame Case Continues to Grow

Stafford’s career narrative shifted dramatically after leaving Detroit. During his time with the Lions, he posted strong individual numbers but rarely had playoff success, earning just one Pro Bowl appearance and no postseason wins.

His move to Los Angeles changed everything. Stafford won a Super Bowl with the Rams and has remained among the NFL’s elite passers. This season, he led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, while throwing only eight interceptions.

According to Owen Hillman of USA Today’s UGA Wire, Stafford could be in line for a major individual award.

“With Stafford leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns, it’s unlikely that he doesn’t win either MVP or Offensive Player of the Year,” Hillman wrote. “With that logic, Stafford winning MVP should be a done deal.”

Final Outlook

Matthew Stafford is not ready to retire just yet. Instead, the former Lions quarterback is expected to return in 2026 with the Rams, chasing another Super Bowl and further strengthening his Hall of Fame legacy.