Rams Eye Future at Quarterback as Stafford Era Nears Crossroads
The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers - one that not only stung in the standings but knocked them off the NFC’s top seed. Still, that setback hasn’t shaken their status as a legitimate contender, nor has it derailed Matthew Stafford’s MVP-caliber campaign. But while the present remains competitive, the future at quarterback is becoming harder to ignore.
General manager Les Snead and the Rams’ front office are fully aware that the Stafford window won’t stay open forever. At 37 years old and with a history of injuries, Stafford’s time as the face of the franchise is winding down - and the Rams are in a rare position to plan ahead.
Thanks to a trade, they currently hold the Atlanta Falcons’ first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. If the draft were held today, that pick would land at No. 9 overall - prime real estate to find a potential successor.
According to reports, the Rams are expected to be seriously interested in selecting a quarterback with that pick. But here’s the key: even if they do draft a top prospect, don’t expect a rookie to be handed the keys to Sean McVay’s offense right away. If Stafford isn’t under center in 2026 - whether due to retirement, injury, or a shift in direction - the Rams are more likely to turn to a veteran bridge quarterback rather than throw a rookie into the fire.
That approach would buy time for a young quarterback to develop behind the scenes, much like we’ve seen with other successful transitions across the league. It’s a strategy that signals the Rams are thinking long-term, not just about the next season but about sustaining success in the post-Stafford era.
Who Could Be the Next in Line?
The 2026 draft class has some intriguing names at the top, though none come without questions. Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza has turned heads with his arm talent and poise, but the level of competition he’s faced raises some eyebrows.
Alabama’s Ty Simpson showed flashes early but has cooled off down the stretch. Then there’s Oregon’s Dante Moore - a former five-star recruit with big-time tools - who may not even declare, as he still has eligibility and could return for another year.
Beyond that top tier, the quarterback landscape gets murky. South Carolina’s LaNorris Sellers and Oklahoma’s John Mateer haven’t had the seasons many hoped for.
Arch Manning, the highly touted Texas prospect, seems likely to return to school for another year. Injuries have also thinned the class, with LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State’s Drew Allar both suffering significant setbacks.
In short, if the Rams want a quarterback of the future, they may need to strike early - and hope the right guy is available when they’re on the clock.
Veteran Options? Slim Pickings
If the Rams do decide to bridge the gap with a veteran, the market isn’t exactly overflowing with ideal fits. The most notable name who could become available is Kyler Murray, but the odds of the Arizona Cardinals trading him within the division are slim to none. Jimmy Garoppolo is technically an option, but at this point in his career, it’s fair to question whether he’d be anything more than a placeholder.
That leaves the Rams in a bit of a limbo. They’re competitive now, but they can’t afford to be caught flat-footed when Stafford walks away. This offseason could be pivotal - not just for 2026, but for the next era of Rams football.
The Bottom Line
The Rams have a rare opportunity: they’re still in the playoff hunt with a proven quarterback, but they also hold a top-10 draft pick that could shape their future. Whether they use that pick on a quarterback or not, the message is clear - the Stafford era won’t last forever, and the Rams are preparing accordingly.
What happens next will say a lot about how this franchise plans to navigate the delicate balance between winning now and building for what’s next. If they get it right, they might just pull off the rarest trick in the NFL: a smooth transition from one franchise quarterback to the next.