Rams' possible Jimmy Garoppolo reunion just became more likely

The Los Angeles Rams were among Kirk Cousins' rumored suitors before he signed with the Raiders on Thursday afternoon. His departure from the open market leaves LA with one less option to install as Matthew Stafford's backup at quarterback next season. 

It also makes a Jimmy Garoppolo reunion that much more likely. 

After serving as the Horns' QB2 last season on a $3 million paycheck, Garoppolo has drawn interest this offseason from several teams. Thus far, however, nothing has materialized, leaving a return to Los Angeles on the table. 

Veteran possibilities are dwindling. Two of the most attractive free agents, Cousins and Kyler Murray, who signed with the Vikings, are gone. If it's NFL experience the Rams want, bringing back Garoppolo only makes too much sense.

Garoppolo easily leads the pack among Rams' remaining options 

Cost should not be an issue. Despite his value as a high-floor insurance policy, Garoppolo is unlikely to be expensive. He is 34 years old and did not attempt a pass last season. He hasn't had success as a starter since 2022 in San Francisco. The Rams may offer him a slight bump as a favor to fill a role of need, but re-signing Garoppolo would hardly break the bank. 

Each of his past two contracts has been a one-year arrangement worth around $3 million, which is actually a bit higher than his projected market value per Spotrac. Garoppolo isn't as appealing a bridge starter as the likes of Murray or Cousins, who, for all his struggles, still amassed 5,000 total passing yards over the last two seasons.

But for the Rams, his leadership and winning experience are a perfect match for what they are seeking behind Stafford. Investing in a draft pick might have higher long-term upside, but asking a rookie to pilot the team to victory if No. 9 misses a game or two would be a tall order. The same holds for Stetson Bennett, LA's resident QB3, who has not thrown an NFL pass. 

Meanwhile, Garoppolo led the 49ers to a Super Bowl. Even though the Rams have 

Few remaining options offer the Rams what Jimmy G can. Aaron Rodgers, Cooper Rush, or old friend John Wolford? None is especially appealing (and if Rodgers doesn't retire, he presumably wants to start).

The Horns have already expressed interest in retaining Garoppolo. Since he hasn't been scooped up by the Cardinals, Packers, or any other team on the hunt, running it back in Los Angeles feels like the irresistibly fitting choice.