Matthew Stafford is heading into the 2026 NFL season with a new contract, a shiny MVP award, and plenty of expectations with the Los Angeles Rams.
But the veteran quarterback is also dealing with an unexpected financial issue away from the field. Despite earning more than $408 million during his NFL career, Stafford is facing a California state tax lien worth more than $530,000 for the 2024 tax year.
Rams’ Matthew Stafford Faces $534K Tax Lien
According to records filed with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk by the California Franchise Tax Board, Stafford has an active state tax lien totaling $534,453.67.
The lien is connected to the 2024 tax year and remains active against Stafford’s present and future property rights in California.
For someone with Stafford’s financial resources, the amount is unlikely to create a major problem. However, the lien could continue to accumulate interest and additional fees if it isn’t resolved.
Tax issues involving professional athletes can sometimes involve complicated state filings, income allocation, and so-called “jock taxes.” The situation could also simply be the result of a filing or payment issue.
The tax lien comes as Stafford and his wife, Kelly, continue to have a significant real estate presence in Southern California. The couple reportedly purchased a Hidden Hills property for $28.15 million in 2023. They also recently sold three other Hidden Hills properties for a combined $21.3 million.
Given Stafford’s financial portfolio, the $534,000 lien is relatively small compared with his overall earnings and assets. Still, the timing has drawn attention with the 2026 season approaching.
Stafford’s Football Future Remains Strong
Whatever is happening off the field, Stafford’s football situation couldn’t be much better.
Stafford was crowned the 2025 NFL MVP after leading the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns across 17 games. He threw just eight interceptions and posted a 109.2 passer rating. Those numbers also saw him settle at #2 in PFN’s QB Impact Rankings, only behind New England Patriots star Drake Maye.
That stellar campaign also saw him land a one-year, $55 million extension with the Rams. The deal keeps Stafford in Los Angeles through 2027 and could pay him up to $105 million over the next two seasons.
That puts the tax issue into perspective.
Stafford is set to make $55 million plus bonuses in 2026 alone, meaning the lien represents but a small fraction of his future earnings.
For now, the financial issue is an unexpected distraction, but it shouldn’t have much impact on Stafford’s preparations for the season. The Rams are counting on their veteran quarterback to lead another Super Bowl push, and all eyes will ultimately be on what he does on the field.
