The Los Angeles Rams have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, as Matthew Stafford has revitalized his career this season despite entering the year with major back concerns.
Combined with the trade rumors and his future in Los Angeles being up in the air beyond 2025, the Rams need to prepare for the future at the quarterback position. Whether it's a journeyman backup, a reclamation project, or a rookie, the Rams need to make a move.
According to ESPN reporter Sarah Bishop, the Rams are well aware of the quarterback issue and have a plan for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Thanks to owning the Atlanta Falcons' first-round pick, the Rams could be in line to add a highly-touted rookie this offseason.
Rams could land Matthew Stafford's replacement in 2026 NFL Draft
"The Rams have a lot of long-term quarterback questions because they don't know how long Matthew Stafford will want to play." Bishop writes. "Los Angeles has its eye on its future at the position after Stafford, and with two first-round picks (including one from the Faclson that could be in the top 10), coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead won't hesitate to pursue a quarterback they like."
The front office in Los Angeles, led by Les Snead, is eyeing additions to the quarterback room in the 2026 NFL Draft. Players like Fernando Mendoza, Dante Moore, and Ty Simpson are first-round candidates in the NFL Draft.
But, if the Rams decide to spend those first-rounders on other players, they could take a day-two flier on someone like Drew Allar, coming off an injury, to sit behind Stafford or another veteran for a year as they develop.
More: Matthew Stafford turnovers: Rams QB's miscues doom Los Angeles in loss to Panthers
Stafford is only guaranteed to be around for the 2025 season, and there's a chance he demands a pay raise too rich, demands a trade, or he even decides to retire.
All of those are possibilities, and the Rams need to prepare to address their quarterback room this upcoming offseason, regardless of whether Stafford stays or goes.
Bishop expects the Rams to be ready to take a quarterback in the first round, and thanks to the Falcons' first-rounder, which could end up being a top 10 pick, the Rams could wind up with one of the top quarterbacks without having to trade a king's ransom to move up.
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