NFL insiders show Rams are thinking about post-Matthew Stafford future

Even though the Los Angeles Rams are fresh off a completely disheartening loss to the Carolina Panthers that knocked them out of the No. 1 seed in the NFC, that hasn't done much writ large to impact their status as a contender or quarterback Matthew Stafford's push for an MVP.

However, general manager Les Snead and the front office are likely well aware of the fact that they need to find some sort of way to plan for life after Stafford. With the Rams in possession of the Atlanta Falcons' first-round pick, which would be the ninth pick if the NFL Draft were held today, the Rams might need to look at possibly finding their succession plan for Stafford.

Sarah Barshop of ESPN reported that the Rams will be extremely interested in possibly acquiring one of those top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, that hypothetical rookie may not be in a position to immediately take over if Stafford is not going to be under center.

However, Barshop said that if Stafford is not under center in the 2026 season, the Rams are expected to start a veteran quarterback instead of the hypothetical youngster. It might take a few years before the Rams end up fully moving

Rams may use a high NFL Draft pick on Matthew Stafford's successor

The top three quarterback prospects in this class, in whatever order one ranks them, are Indiana's Fernando Mendoza, Oregon's Dante Moore, and Alabama's Ty Simpson. As terrific as all three of those are, Mendoza hasn't played too hard a schedule, a one-year starter in Simpson has tailed off in recent weeks, and Moore may return for his redshirt junior season.

Beyond those three, the class is looking grim. South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers and Oklahoma's John Mateer have had down seasons, Texas' Arch Manning seems like a mortal lock to head back to school for 2026, and both LSU's Garrett Nussmeier and Penn State's Drew Allar suffered serious injuries.

The only veteran quarterback of some note that is more likely than not to be on the market for a team like the Rams is Kyler Murray, and the division rival Arizona Cardinals likely will do everything in their power to make sure they don't send him within the NFC West. Jimmy Garoppolo is still around, but would LA really go that route?

The Rams' decision after this season will determine if they can replicate their success with Stafford once he leaves the building.