NFL insider presents nightmare Rams post-Matthew Stafford QB plan

The Los Angeles Rams need a No. 2 quarterback and eventual successor to reigning MVP Matthew Stafford. Meanwhile, Jimmy Garoppolo remains a free agent after two seasons with the club, though a reunion almost seems inevitable, which is fine — for now.

However, the Rams can't get too carried away and put too many eggs in the Garoppolo basket, as recent intel suggests could happen. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer didn't just say both sides might be open to rejoining forces; he also outlined a potential nightmare scenario for a medium-term partnership.

"Jimmy Garoppolo is still available, and I think, at this stage of his career, the likelihood is that he'll find a place as a high-end backup," Breer wrote. "His experience with the Rams was a good one, and I'd think that door would still be open, and perhaps set him up to be a bridge quarterback whenever Matthew Stafford decides to walk away."

Slowly but surely, Garoppolo's list of landing spots has dwindled, with the Rams looking like one of the few options left. They can each benefit from getting back together for 2026 — but Los Angeles is better off looking elsewhere for its post-Stafford stopgap.

Jimmy Garoppolo shouldn't factor into the Rams' post-Matthew Stafford plans

What's the goal of a Garoppolo-led squad? Are the Rams trying to stay competitive in the immediate aftermath of Stafford's eventual retirement? He's entering his age-35 campaign with diminishing arm talent, no mobility and an extensive injury history.

Life after Stafford won't be easy, especially in the early going, but even as a placeholder, why Garoppolo? The Rams have so many better paths forward. Whether it be via the draft or taking a chance on a young signal-caller reclamation project, they shouldn't settle for an aging familiar face.

It's been over 15 months (and counting) since Garoppolo last attempted a regular-season throw, so judging him by his virtually nonexistent Rams stint is unfair. He's had minimal opportunities because Stafford has stayed healthy. Nevertheless, the last time we saw the former as a starter wasn't pretty, to put it mildly.

Garoppolo was benched midway through a disastrous lone year with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023, and understandably so. His 16 percent checkdown rate was the fifth-highest among 57 players with a minimum of 50 dropbacks. He ranked 44th in passer rating (77.7) and threw more interceptions (nine) than touchdowns (seven).

Note: Stats courtesy of Fantasy Points' data suite ($)