3 long-term options to replace Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford
The Los Angeles Rams will have to plan for life after Matthew Stafford at some point. Could one of these three players be a long-term option for them? Stafford is set to play in his age-36 season in the NFL. Folks, the time is ticking, unfortunately. As good as Matthew Stafford has been on the LA Rams, at some point, the team needs to begin searching for his replacement.
And there could be a number of avenues the Rams could explore to find his replacement. It won't be an easy thing to do, but the Rams seem to have the brainpower to get it done. Let's dive into three long-term options to replace Matthew Stafford
3 long-term options to replace Los Angeles Rams QB Matthew Stafford
Dak Prescott
Currently, Dak Prescott would hit the free agent market in the 2025 NFL Offseason, as there is no contract extension in sight from his current team, the Dallas Cowboys. It may seem unlikely that a QB as good as Prescott could hit the FA market, but I would not be so sure the Cowboys lock him up.
Both Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy are in the last year of their respective deals, and if the Cowboys can't make progress in the NFC postseason this season, I could see a scenario where the front office decides to hard reset at head coach and quarterback.
This could lead to Prescott being able to enjoy a free agency tour, and why not the LA Rams? If this is something that could go down next offseason, Prescott would be able to come into a win-now scenario with a top-three head coach, great offensive line, and adequate play-makers.
Prescott would also finally enjoy the luxury of playing for a top head coach, something he has not yet done in his NFL career, which began in 2016.
Stetson Bennett
Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft, Stetson Bennett could have an uphill battle here, but he's the young QB in the LA Rams organization and could become the long-term option until it simply doesn't happen. He was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list on September 13, 2023, and now seems to be in a much better spot.
Bennett is undersized for the position, but that has not stopped many QBs who have carved out successful NFL careers. Here is his NFL.com draft profile from Lance Zierlein:
"Bennett will turn 26 years old during his rookie season and he’s small in stature relative to today’s game. Those two things will work against him, but his history of elevating his play in spotlight games against the best competition should be a factor for some teams. He doesn’t have a plus arm and his accuracy and placement can vary from drive to drive, but he throws with anticipation and has shown an ability to get through progressions as a pro-style passer. He’s rarely sacked and has the mobility to do damage outside of the pocket. Bennett has backup potential for a timing-based passing attack that includes concepts often seen in the Shanahan offense."
- Lance Zierlein
It seems like Bennett is quite familiar with an NFL-style offense, and that is great news for the LA Rams. Even though he may not even be a backup option, Bennett might be able to be an underrated candidate to be the long-term option over Matthew Stafford.
Connor Weigman, Texas A&M
Here is a blurb from PFF on Connor Weigman, who could be a QB to watch when the 2025 NFL Draft cycle rolls around:
"Weigman got off to a rapid start to his sophomore season, earning a 91.9 grade through the first four games. Unfortunately, that’s all we saw from the former five-star recruit, as he suffered a season-ending foot injury in Week 4.
- Max Chadwick
The Aggies passer has a good arm but an inconsistent follow-through right now. If he can build off the few games we saw in 2023, he can be a dark-horse QB1 candidate next April."
The 2025 NFL Draft may not have a ton of top QBs, but there could be some diamonds in the middle of the first round and into the second round as well. If the LA Rams were to try and take their QB of the future in 2025, they certainly would not have anything close to a top-10 pick, as the team is likely to be very good.
So that may force them to take someone in the middle of the first round or later. Could it be Connor Weigman?