Stafford's indecision forces Rams front office to this action in 2025 NFL Draft

Rams track record with veteran back-up quarterbacks

Let's tackle this matter from a different angle. Let's suppose that the Rams offense is invariably linked to the elite passing skills and durability of veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, as some may believe. It was virtually impossible to challenge that position in the past, as the team was content to back up the quarterback with undrafted and unproven quarterbacks in John Wolford and Bryce Perkins.

That pattern changed in 2022, when Stafford suffered a bruised spinal cord mid season, and the team was forced to start the backups to endure the remainder of the season. Fortunately, the Carolina Panthers released veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield, who the Rams quickly added to the team's roster. Despite no time to prepare, Mayfield showed up and led the team to two victories in five games. He only averaged 170 passing yards per game, but he did throw 82 of 129 passes for 850 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.

Keep in mind that Mayfield played with an offense that was pretty much in the same spot as he was. There was no continuity on the offensive line, the Rams receivers were banged up, and the running backs were led by RB Cam Akers.

The next season, the Rams signed veteran QB Carson Wentz. Wentz did not see any action with the offense until Week 18 when he started with the team's backups to face the San Francisco 49ers. Wentz was not particularly adept at throwing the football, completing 17 of 24 passes for 163 passing yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. But Wentz could fly. He carried the football 17 times for 56 yards and a touchdown.

Rams fans finally had a chance to witness what a dual-threat quarterback could do in this offense, and it was surprisingly effective.

In 2024, the Rams once again signed a veteran quarterback to back up Matthew Stafford. This time the team brought in former foe, Jimmy Garoppolo. Despite Stafford's cracked ribs, the team did not put Garoppolo on the football field until Week 18. Once again, the offense surrounded Jimmy G with backups. You would expect Garoppolo to struggle.

Think again.

Garoppolo looked like a natural fit in this offense, despite playing with backups. He threw 27 of 41 times for 334 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Puka Nacua did not play. Cooper Kupp did not play. Yet Garoppolo threw for the most passing yards for a Rams quarterback the entire season. And that was against the starting defense of the Seattle Seahawks.

So, what can we take away from this evidence? Clearly, the Rams offense is not custom built to find success exclusively at the hands of Matthew Stafford. Other quarterbacks can win games with this offense. Other quarterbacks can be very productive with this offense.

So now the question becomes: Does Matthew Stafford truly have the team over a barrel if he lingers too long on deciding whether or not he wants to return for 2025?

No, and here's why: