The Los Angeles Rams are heading into the 2026 NFL offseason with a key piece of news: Matthew Stafford is back for at least another season. This keeps their Super Bowl hopes alive, but it also spotlights a pressing issue-the backup quarterback position.
Initially, Kirk Cousins was a strong contender to fill that role. However, reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter confirm that Cousins is set to join the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving the Rams searching for a solid backup.
With Cousins off the table, the Rams need to quickly reassess their strategy. While signing Cousins as a backup might have seemed pricey, having a reliable second-string quarterback is crucial for a team in win-now mode.
The Rams can't afford to gamble on an untested rookie or an unreliable backup if Stafford were to miss time. They need someone capable of stepping in and securing victories, much like Mac Jones did for the 49ers when Brock Purdy was sidelined last season.
The Rams were reportedly among the teams interested in Cousins, making his move to the Raiders a significant setback. Now, head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead must explore other options. While Jimmy Garoppolo's name has surfaced, rumors suggest he might not be available, pushing the Rams to look elsewhere, either through the open market or a trade.
Potential trade targets like Spencer Rattler, Tanner McKee, or Davis Mills could be on the Rams' radar. With Cousins out of the picture, the Rams might need to ramp up their efforts to secure a dependable backup quarterback, a crucial component for their 2026 campaign.