Sean McVay concedes Rams quarterback chaos begins long before the 2026 NFL draft

One is an accomplished veteran quarterback whose career track has carried him through the New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders, and finally to the Los Angeles Rams. The other is an accomplished veteran quarterback whose career track carried him to the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons.

And head coach Sean McVay has been associated with both Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins. But only one will don The Horns in 2026. And therein lies the rub.

Sean McVay concedes that LA is considering both quarterbacks for 2026. And if you read Ramblin Fan articles, you already know this. Los Angeles is being very cautious about the quarterback room right now, because whoever assumes the backup role now has the pole position to start for the team in 2027. Who is the better starter?

37-year-old Cousins averages 29 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, 4,367 yards, and a completion rate of 66.7 percent over a 17-game season. 34-year-old Garoppolo averages 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 3,166 yards, and a completion rate of 67.4 percent over a 17-game season. Neither has youth as an advantage over the other.

Hmm.

The Rams are caught in a quarterback conundrum

This is going to be a very difficult matter to resolve. Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford is 38 years old in 2026. Neither backup option is particularly young, making the selection of either is merely a short-term solution. Even backup quarterback Stetson Bennett is already 28 years old and has yet to start a single NFL game.

It's safe to conclude that LA wants maturity at the quarterback position. But let's be honest. The LA Rams roster has overshot the mark and appears to be doubling down on experience over future potential. Whether the team opts for Kirk Cousins or Jimmy Garoppolo for their 2026 primary backup quarterback, the option to add a young quarterback early in the draft becomes remote.

Whether you hope for the team to draft quarterback Ty Simpson, Garrett Nussmeier, or Drew Allar, the chances of doing so shrink as soon as a veteran signs on the dotted line. And the team has already expressed interest in committing to winning now.

For 2026, the team has excellent options for a backup quarterback. But what of 2027 and beyond? That is where the team is stuck. And that is why fans are growing increasingly restless.

As always, thanks for reading.