Matthew Stafford faced fresh questions about his future after the Los Angeles Rams suffered a painful 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, a defeat that ended their Super Bowl hopes and reopened discussion about his long-term plans.

The 17-year veteran battled until the final seconds in the NFC Championship Game, showing resilience and leadership, yet ultimately falling short as Seattle Seahawks advanced to face the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.

At 37 years old, and already a Super Bowl champion, Stafford entered the postseason with speculation swirling, as many wondered whether this deep playoff run might represent his final chapter in the NFL.

“Given his age, you have to wonder what comes next for Matthew Stafford,” Ian Rapoport told the Insiders on January 26.

“My understanding, though, is that Stafford has told people close to him that he still has some good football left, telling them no matter what, he wants to be back next year.

“This was before the Rams went on a run and ended up in the NFC Championship Game. No one knows for sure… if the Rams win the Super Bowl, does Matthew Stafford walk away?

“But we know he believes he has plenty left.”

Rapoport‘s update suggested that playoff heartbreak may strengthen Stafford‘s resolve, rather than weaken it, especially after another season that reinforced his importance to the Rams‘ identity.

For now, however, Stafford remains central to Sean McVay‘s plans, especially after throwing for 374 yards and three touchdowns in the NFC title game.

The contest itself showcased relentless offense, as Sam Darnold threw for 346 yards and three scores, while Jaxon Smith-Njigba added 153 receiving yards for Seattle.

Stafford responded repeatedly, connecting with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, yet saw his final drive stall at the Seahawks’ six-yard line after Devon Witherspoon‘s decisive breakup.

Seattle capitalized, draining the clock and securing the win, leaving Stafford and the Rams reflecting on missed opportunities and narrow margins.

Despite the disappointment, his performance reinforced that he can still compete at an elite level, even against one of the league’s best defenses.

Elsewhere, the New England Patriots earlier booked its Super Bowl place by beating the Denver Broncos to set up a clash with the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl 60, which will take place on February 8.

Could the Rams trade for Joe Burrow?

Only a year earlier, following a postseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Stafford admitted he would “take some time to think about” his future, before ultimately returning and delivering one of the best seasons of his career.

He responded by leading the league in passing yards and touchdowns, guiding Los Angeles to a 12-5 record and restoring confidence in a roster that had undergone significant change.

But while Stafford remains committed, questions persist about the Rams‘ long-term strategy, especially after comments from the Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow sparked league-wide discussion.

“If I want to keep doing this, I have to have fun doing this,” Burrow said to Charlie Clifford. “I have been through a lot. If it’s not fun, then what am I doing it for?

“That is the mind set I am trying to bring to the table.”

Those remarks have fueled speculation about the future of one of the best quarterbacks in the league and prompted some observers to link his situation with Los Angeles‘ aging QB.

With Stafford turning 38 before the Super Bowl, and having considered retirement recently, the Rams could be forced to explore contingency plans if circumstances change and Burrow is just 29.

If Burrow were to seek a departure, Los Angeles could theoretically assemble a major trade package, positioning itself to transition seamlessly while remaining competitive.

Stafford was left contemplating another offseason of scrutiny, speculation, and personal evaluation. Yet, according to those close to him, retirement is not imminent, and motivation remains strong following one of the most demanding seasons of his career.

With unfinished business, proven production, and renewed determination, Stafford appears poised to return, intent on transforming heartbreak into one more pursuit of championship glory.