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The 2026 NFL MVP hinted at a return in February and wrote about it this week – Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford is officially preparing for the 2026 season.
Stafford, who led the NFL in passing yards and touchdown passes last season, signed a one-year extension with the Rams worth up to $55 million.
Colin Cowherd of FOX Sports believes the Rams’ recent draft class has allowed Stafford to be extended while keeping a talented defense intact.
“The Rams can do it and pay that because they drafted so well, but in about two years they’ll have some really good players and money will be owed with a lot of them on defense,” Cowherd said on Friday’s edition of The Herd.
Los Angeles’ returning team and Stafford instantly make them an early favorite to win the Super Bowl next year. Their defense also received an upgrade with their blockbuster trade of veteran cornerback Trent McDuffie.
In the NFL Draft, the Rams used their first-round selection on quarterback Ty Simpson, who became one of the most shocking picks in the draft. Los Angeles was expected to select a strong player, such as a wide receiver or tight end with its first-round pick.
Although Simpson’s selection might have been questionable for the Rams, Rob Rang of FOX Sports still considered Simpson a perfect fit.
“Prior to the draft, I listed the Rams as one of the top picks for Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson. His pre-snap recognition and accuracy projects quite well in Sean McVay’s offense, and with Matthew Stafford already in place, Simpson will have the opportunity to learn from the sidelines, rather than being pushed onto the field prematurely,” Rang wrote.
Simpson led the Alabama Crimson Tide to its first College Football Playoff appearance with coach Kalen DeBoer at the helm. After a first-round victory over Oklahoma, the Tide lost brutally 38-3 in the Rose Bowl to eventual champions Indiana in the quarterfinals. Now, Simpson will prepare to take over the Rams’ offense when it comes time for Stafford to hang up his cleats.
The Rams’ returning offense still features wide receivers Puka Nacua and Devonte Adams, tight end Colby Parkinson and running back pair Blake Corum and Kyren Williams.
Cowherd also viewed the choice of Simpson as the right decision, especially if Stafford potentially opts out after his extension.
“That’s why I defended the Ty Simpson pick…They’re trying to master two timelines. Timeline number one is: win a Super Bowl now and next year. Timeline two is: have their QB in place without getting into a bidding war in two years.”
Last year, the Rams failed to win the title when they lost to the eventual Super Bowl LX champions, the Seattle Seahawks, in the NFC Championship. It was their first appearance in the conference title game since winning Super Bowl LVI in 2022. Now, with Stafford officially returning, the Rams are already positioned to make another deep run this season.
The Rams officially open the 2026 season in Melbourne (the first-ever NFL regular season game in Australia) with an NFC West matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on September 10.
