Rams Eyeing Eagles’ Tanner McKee as Potential Backup to Matthew Stafford
The Los Angeles Rams got a major boost when Matthew Stafford used his MVP acceptance speech to announce he’s coming back for one more season. It wasn’t just a feel-good moment-it was a signal that the Rams are still in win-now mode.
But while Stafford’s return locks in the starting spot, it also shines a spotlight on what’s behind him. And that’s where things get interesting.
Jimmy Garoppolo served as Stafford’s backup last season, but beyond that, the Rams’ quarterback room is thin on youth and long-term potential. Stetson Bennett IV is still hanging around as the No. 3 option, but his future remains uncertain. That’s why the Rams are being linked to a few intriguing young quarterbacks on the trade market-most notably, Eagles backup Tanner McKee.
According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, McKee is one of the top names the Rams should consider targeting this offseason. And when you break it down, the fit makes a lot of sense.
Why McKee Makes Sense in L.A.
Let’s start with the basics. McKee is a 6-foot-6 pocket passer with a calm presence and a style of play that mirrors Stafford’s more than most young quarterbacks in the league. He’s not a dual-threat athlete or a flashy playmaker, but he’s decisive, accurate, and comfortable operating from the pocket-traits that align well with Sean McVay’s offensive system.
At 25 years old, McKee is a bit older than some other developmental QBs, but that maturity could actually work in his favor, especially in a backup role. He was a sixth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and is now entering the final year of his rookie contract.
That’s a wrinkle the Rams would have to consider-he’s not a long-term stash unless they extend him-but the cost to acquire him likely wouldn’t be steep. A Day 3 draft pick could get it done.
And here’s the key: McKee has shown enough in limited action to justify that investment.
What the Tape Tells Us
McKee hasn’t had a ton of opportunities in live NFL games, but when he has played, he’s looked the part. Over the last two seasons, he’s completed 61.4% of his passes for 597 yards, five touchdowns, and just one interception. That’s solid production, especially considering most of that came while working with the Eagles’ second-string offense.
But what really stands out is how he handled himself when some of the Eagles’ starters were on the field. The game didn’t look too fast for him. He made smart reads, delivered the ball on time, and showed poise under pressure-traits you want in a backup quarterback who might be one snap away from taking over.
The Bigger Picture for the Rams
Stafford’s back issues from last season are a reminder that the Rams need a reliable insurance policy. And while Garoppolo is a proven veteran, his own injury history and the lack of a young, developmental arm on the roster make this a pressing need.
Trading for McKee wouldn’t just be about depth-it would be about building for the future without sacrificing the present. He’d offer a low-cost, low-risk option who could step in if needed and potentially grow into a bigger role. And in a league where quarterback play is everything, that kind of foresight can make all the difference.
Of course, the Rams could look at other options-Will Levis has also been floated as a trade candidate-but McKee’s style, age, and affordability make him a particularly intriguing target. He’s not going to light up highlight reels, but he doesn’t have to. What the Rams need is someone who can step in, run the offense, and keep the season afloat if Stafford misses time.
And right now, Tanner McKee checks a lot of those boxes.
Final Thoughts
Stafford’s return gives the Rams another shot at making noise in the NFC. But if they want to keep that window open, they’ve got to shore up the depth behind him. McKee may not be a household name yet, but in the right system, with the right coaching, he could be exactly what the Rams need-a steady hand behind their franchise QB and a potential bridge to whatever comes next.