SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 18: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on December 18, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesLos Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford enters 2026 having just turned 38. He was set to have a base salary of $16 million, with a $12 million signing bonus. Stafford was never going anywhere with a dead cap hit north of $81 million.National reporters confirmed that Stafford, who is about to play his 18th season in the NFL, said the Rams gave him a one-year extension with $55 million in new money. Now, Staffords contract is good through the 2027 season, and he can earn up to $105 million remaining on his deal.Stafford has battled several injuries during the past few seasons, but hes only missed four games in the past three seasons.Stafford has been among the most valuable players in the NFL in recent seasons. You could make a strong case for him being the best in the game last year. He threw for 46 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. The Rams hesitation to pay him was puzzling, even as he approaches 40.Then, once the Rams drafted a quarterback in the first round with only one season of starting experience, Los Angeles was mocked by most draft pundits. Now, Ty Simpson will have to wait two years before he steps onto the field.The San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks have seen enough of Stafford. According to Sports Info Solutions, three of Staffords best games last season were against his divisional foes. For what its worth, the top two were against the Niners.