The Los Angeles Rams are extending the MVP of the league. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has inked a $55 million extension that will keep him in Los Angeles through the 2027 season. So, what did the NFL world think of the veteran superstar signing this massive deal?
NFL World Is Split on Matthew Stafford’s New Contract With Rams
This move was met with a lot of praise from different people around the NFL world. One NFL influencer broke down the contract.
“$55 Million a year, $150,684 a day, $6,278 per hour, $104 per minute, $1.74 per second,” before adding, “Worth every penny.”
Stafford is coming off a season in which he threw for 4,707 yards, 46 touchdowns, and only had 8 interceptions. He ranked
$55 Million a year
$150,684 a day
$6,278 per hour
$104 per minute
$1.74 per secondWorth every penny. https://t.co/J9qbKheQK7
Stafford getting that Dak money
Per @AdamSchefter ESPN sources: reigning NFL MVP Matthew Stafford and the Rams reached agreement today on a one-year, $55 million extension worth up to $60 million with incentives. Stafford now has two years and up to $105 million remaining on…
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) May 21, 2026
— rahee (@DoctorRamsHouse) May 21, 2026
“Team to beat in the NFC,” added Sam Block of ESPN.
“I don’t envision Matthew Stafford putting up the stats he did in 2025, but with leadership of the offense I expect the Rams to be one of the last teams standing in the NFC,” wrote Michael Hauff of Fantasy Football Podcaster.
Team to beat in the NFC.
— Sam Block (@theblockspot) May 21, 2026
Last year, the Rams advanced to the NFC Championship Game, where they ultimately lost 31-27 to their division rivals and the eventual Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks.
The NFC title game was a duel throughout, and it looked like the contest could go either way. In the loss, Stafford threw for 374 yards and 3 touchdowns.
However, not all reactions to the Stafford extension were positive.
“Overpay I fear,” wrote sportswriter Brett James.
Overpay I fear
— Brett James (@thebrettjames1) May 21, 2026
One reason to be concerned is Stafford’s age, as he is 38 years old. Even though Stafford is coming off a season in which he earned a B grade in PFSN’s QB Impact metric and ranked sixth in the NFL, history shows that older QBs can drop off quickly once they reach this age.
One example is Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, who had a historic season in 2013 at 37 years old, throwing for 5,477 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, which won him the MVP award. Only two years later, in 2015, Manning threw for 2,249 yards, 9 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions.
Another reason is that the Rams drafted quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Many criticized the Rams for not getting an impactful, win-now player, such as Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. or USC wideout Makai Lemon with this pick.
The Rams drafted Simpson to develop and serve as Stafford’s successor. However, this extension could mean that Simpson might have to wait a bit longer to play.
Overall, even though there are downsides to the contract, Stafford has shown that he can put MVP numbers in this offense and the Rams are trying to compete for another Super Bowl. It makes sense to lock him up and since the Rams are juggernaut to reckon with.
