Will Matthew Stafford retire? Potential next steps for Rams QB after 2024 season

After 16 NFL seasons, Rams' quarterback Matthew Stafford is among the most well-liked quarterbacks — and players in general — in the NFL. He began his career as one of the few bright spots in an otherwise depressing era in Detroit before going on to lead L.A. to its first Super Bowl victory this century.

Stafford will forever be remembered as a legend in Detroit, but his greatest successes came in Los Angeles. In four seasons as a Ram, he's won four playoff games (and counting) after falling short in all three career playoff games as a Lion.

Stafford has won a Super Bowl and made a name for himself in two cities; many would call that a more than successful career. As the years have worn on, there has been plenty of speculation about Stafford's potential retirement, especially considering he's finally hoisted the Lombardi Trophy.

Will the 2024 season mark the end of Stafford's illustrious career? Let's take a look at what the offseason might hold for the veteran signal-caller.

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Will Matthew Stafford retire after this season?

Stafford is set to turn 37 on Feb. 7, just two days before Super Bowl 59. As of now, he's the second-oldest starting quarterback in the NFL, behind only Aaron Rodgers, who is currently 41. Given his age, a retirement announcement could come at any time.

At this point, Stafford has not formally indicated as to whether he plans to retire this offseason. However, in an interview leading up to the 2024 season, Stafford revealed that he hopes to play for another few seasons.

"I definitely appreciate my opportunities and appreciate this game. I mean, it’s given me a ton. I hope I’ve got three or four more left in me. We’ll see. Every year is a new year, but I do feel good," Stafford said on the "Pardon My Take" podcast last August.

It appears that as long as he's "feeling good" and believes that he can physically do everything that is asked of him over the course of the NFL season, he'll be back in action for the Rams next season.

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Matthew Stafford contract

Stafford signed a 4-year, $160 million extension with the Rams in March of 2022. This contract would keep Stafford in Los Angeles through the 2026 season.

The contract has since been renegotiated, but the value of the deal remains the same and he'll still remain under contract until 2026.

Matthew Stafford career stats

Over the course of his career, Stafford has thrown for 59,809 yards, 377 touchdowns, and 188 interceptions.