Time's running out for the Rams to land Matthew Stafford's successor

Don't close the window of opportunity to the Los Angeles Rams landing a suitable successor to veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford, not yet anyway. Even as the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints continue the search for a formidable veteran quarterback to lead their respective teams in 2025, the Rams have a similar problem but at the opposite end of the timeline spectrum.

The Rams are set with veteran quarterbacks. boasting both Stafford and backup QB Jimmy Garoppolo, but few expect the team to turn over the reins to this offense to young quarterback Stetson Bennett. Even if Bennett was the bee's knees in the eyes of the coaching staff, the Rams have begun OTAs with just three quarterbacks. Typically, the team prefers four quarterbacks to manage all drills effectively.

Do the Rams have something cooking on the back burner?

As soon as the Los Angeles Rams traded out of Round 1 in the 2025 NFL Draft to acquire the Atlanta Falcons' Round 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, almost everyone earmarked that pick to acquire a rookie quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft to become Matthew Stafford's successor. And that makes sense, as the Rams draft picks in next year's draft have created a potent ammo box for the team that it has not enjoyed since hiring HC Sean McVay.

But there are two glaring problems with the Rams delaying adding a young quarterback. This season remains the ideal timing for such a move. And yet, the guns fell silent as soon as the team moved back in the draft. So, how have things gotten even more complicated?

Well, let's talk about the timing of adding a rookie to the Rams roster. As much as I'd love to think Matthew Stafford has many years left in his NFL career, the reality is that every single season for Stafford is a bonus, and should be viewed as such. Even negotiations to satisfy Stafford's financial demands at the end of 2024 have resulted in a one-year reworked contract that will need to be revisited on an annual basis.