Rams reunion with Matthew Stafford has NFL teams scrambling to fill QB needs

When the Los Angeles Rams permitted Matthew Stafford and his representation to discuss what they might be willing to pay him to play on their teams, there was no shortage of interest from other NFL teams. Teams that were mentioned as having more than a curious interest in Stafford included the Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and the Las Vegas Raiders. Since the Rams and Stafford have reached an agreement, we know that these teams were left wanting to fix their quarterback room. Or, at least do enough window dressing to give an appearance of an upgrade.

Now, those teams are scrambling to fix their quarterback situation with the quarterbacks who remain available. And with questions hanging over the 2025 NFL Draft about the quality and quantity of NFL-ready rookie quarterbacks, no NFL team wants to be painted into a corner of needing to draft a 2025 starting quarterback.

The fact is that signing a free agent quarterback is a lot like playing musical chairs, only in reverse. There are only so many quarterbacks to go around. And the expectation right now is that at least one of the team's in need of a starting quarterback in 2025 will do without, or be forced to promote a rookie quarterback into that role.

After striking out over Stafford, the Las Vegas Raiders traded with the Seattle Seahawks for QB Geno Smith. While that likely fills the Raiders needs at quarterback, that commits the Seahawks to need Smith's replacement. And that is just one transaction of many expected when the 2025 NFL Free Agency market opens for business.

The only significant impact for the Rams is the fact that one or more of the team's targets for a backup quarterback (if a veteran quarterback remains an option in 2025) could be lured away to sign elsewhere with the chance of competing for a starting role on that team.

How might this help the Rams for 2025?

Clearly, almost all NFL teams in need of immediate quarterback help are jockeying for position to not need an immediate plug-and-play rookie option from the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite the perceived lack of quality and quantity in this rookie class, that opens the door to teams overreacting and shying away from quarterbacks in Round 1.

The fewer quarterbacks selected early by other teams, the greater the chance that the Rams will select a quarterback with the 29th overall pick. On some big boards, the only rookie quarterbacks who are projected to hear their names in Round 1 are University of Miami QB Cam Ward and Colorado QB Shadeur Sanders. Some boards projecte Alabama QB Jalen Milroe in Round 1 as well.

But if you have your heart set on the Rams selecting Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart, Texas QB Quinn Ewers, or even Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel, you are in luck. Dart may fall to Round 2. Ewers may plummet to Round 3, and Gabriel could be had as late as Round 4. Do the Rams target a quarterback in Round 1 of this draft? I could see it happening. And if many NFL teams seek help elsewhere, then the Rams could see some very solid options remaining on the draft board when they make their first selection.

Stay tuned, as the Rams have a plan to address their quarterback room, and fill the backup position. I'm looking forward to see how the team addresses the need to backup Stafford in 2025.

As always, thanks for reading.

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