Stafford is in the final year of a two-year, $84 million contract, leaving Los Angeles with a clear need for experienced depth. Top backup Jimmy Garoppolo is a free agent this offseason and could draw interest from other teams, while fourth-round pick Stetson Bennett IV is the only other quarterback currently under contract.
ESPN analyst Benjamin Solak has suggested the Rams could pursue a dynamic rookie option such as Anthony Richardson, alongside other young quarterbacks like Will Levis, Tanner McKee, and Spencer Rattler. Richardson, the youngest and highest-drafted among those names, would bring playmaking ability but also significant red flags given his limited pro experience and durability concerns.
Richardson’s history includes questions about toughness and an eye injury that ended his 2025 season on IR, factors that could complicate a potential fit with a team prioritizing stability behind Stafford. While Levis, Rattler, and McKee offer varying levels of starting experience, the Rams would still need a plan that balances upside with reliability.
Another potential twist in the market is Garoppolo’s free agency, with speculation that the veteran could land with Arizona under new leadership and a retooled scheme. Los Angeles must consider how a departure would impact the depth chart and whether a long-term bridge or a younger, developmental quarterback is a priority for Sean McVay and the staff.
In short, the Rams cannot rely on Stafford’s health alone and must act to fortify the quarterback room this offseason. Whether through trades, free agency, or the draft, Los Angeles needs a credible long-term plan behind Stafford to maintain upside and ensure depth if trouble arises, aligning the roster with the team’s 2026 objective.
