Matthew Stafford announced recently his intention to continue as quarterback for the upcoming season, which eases some of the Rams’ concerns.
With the NFL MVP returning, the Rams can now dedicate much of their offseason efforts to bridging the gap with the Seahawks, who stand between them and the Lombardi Trophy.
The team has significant needs, such as enhancing their cornerback position, finding a top-performing wide receiver, and adding depth to the offensive line.
Stafford’s decision certainly alleviates some urgency regarding the quarterback position, but it doesn’t totally erase it.
There’s a reality dawning—the 38-year-old quarterback will eventually have to step aside. The question is, will the Rams proactively find a successor, or will they wait until he retires?
This situation resembles that of the Packers, who drafted Jordan Love several years back, actively planning for life after Aaron Rodgers, in contrast to the Steelers who have recently cycled through multiple quarterbacks after Ben Roethlisberger’s departure.
Sure, the Rams might catch a break similar to what the Chargers experienced when they drafted Justin Herbert right as they moved on from Philip Rivers. But the Chargers were coming off a season with only five wins, putting them in a draft position to grab Herbert as the sixth overall pick.
If all goes smoothly, the Rams could very well be among the league’s top teams next season, possibly Stafford’s last hurrah. In that scenario, landing one of the top college prospects, like Texas’ Arch Manning or Notre Dame’s CJ Carr, might be quite a stretch.
The Rams’ leaders, Les Snead and Sean McVay, often seem to be ahead of the game. If they have plans to replace Stafford, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them aggressively pursue a quarterback this offseason, investing in someone who might be groomed for the future.
This might mean that the Rams could already have their future quarterback on the roster when offseason training begins.
Draft
The Rams made a savvy move last April, obtaining two first-round picks for the 2026 draft. With the Falcons’ selections at the 29th and 13th spots, they have a solid chance to find a quarterback to eventually step in for Stafford.
Indiana University’s Fernando Mendoza stands out as the prime candidate and is poised to be a top choice. However, the Raiders are expected to use their first pick to secure him.
It’s not that there aren’t other intriguing prospects, but immediate starters among them might be hard to find.
For instance, Jordan Love and Jalen Hurts were not seen as instant starters when they were picked, yet they transitioned successfully into their roles.
Take a moment to consider Alabama’s Ty Simpson; he has strong potential but will require time to develop.
This aligns with the Rams’ strategy of fostering a talent under Stafford’s wing for a year or two.
Perhaps the Rams could use their No. 13 pick to grab Simpson. Although that comes with risks, Snead has a knack for uncovering value later in the draft.
Then there’s Penn State’s Drew Aller. He was a hot prospect before opting to return to college, but struggles last season and a knee injury have lowered his stock significantly.
This doesn’t eliminate the possibility that he could be a solid second-day pick for the Rams, especially after his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine.
Other quarterbacks to keep in mind include Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss), Garrett Nussmeyer (LSU), Carson Beck (Miami), and Cade Klubnik (Clemson).
Veteran Free Agent or Trade
If Stafford had retired, it’s likely the Rams would have made a strong offer to acquire Joe Burrow from the Bengals.
However, that possibility might still linger. Burrow has shown signs of frustration, which could lead him to seek a new situation. Should that happen, the Rams would likely jump at the chance.
Malik Willis from the Packers might also be relevant in trade discussions as he backed up Love last season. His familiarity with a similar system could ease his transition to the Rams.
Though, Willis may prefer a situation where he can play right away, possibly eyeing teams like the Vikings or others, depending on their quarterback circumstances.
Then there’s Anthony Richardson from the Colts, whose potential has been stunted by injuries. Although he has a lot of raw talent, the Rams could utilize a couple of years to refine his skills, aiming to create a suitable successor to Stafford in the long run.
