While it may not be easy to do so, it’s time for Los Angeles Rams fans to turn to the offseason following the team’s 31-27 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game.
One thing that the team might look to do over the offseason is identify a succession plan for quarterback Matthew Stafford's eventual retirement. Stafford isn't likely to retire this offseason, but it would be naive to think that he will play forever.
Rams predicted to trade up for a quarterback in 2026 NFL Draft
The Rams could use the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft to identify a successor for Stafford. In a recent article, ESPN’s Aaron Schatz predicts that the Rams will trade up in the first round of the draft to do just that.
From Schatz:
“The Rams will trade up in the draft for a quarterback. They need a young talent for when Stafford is ready to hang 'em up, whether that's this offseason or in a few years. What better time to plan for the future than when they have two first-round picks?”
There’s a couple of ways to look at this. Yes, the Rams will ultimately need to figure out a plan for Stafford’s post-playing days. But, we don’t know when that might be. Some elite quarterbacks have been able to play productively well into their 40s.
Stafford is 37, and has shown virtually no signs of slowing down, evidenced by the fact that he’s an MVP finalist this season. It wouldn't be wise to draft a quarterback high just to have him sit behind Stafford for the next several years.
Plus, the Rams were just a few plays away from making a Super Bowl appearance this season. Using their top picks to improve the team around Stafford to make another run at it next year might be the more logical thing to do.
The Rams appear to have an open Super Bowl window while Stafford is still playing at an MVP level. The organization would be wise to do everything in their power to maximize and extend that window before worrying about what to do once it closes.
More NFL news:
- Baltimore Ravens predicted to cut ties with All-Pro defender
- Philadelphia Eagles predicted to make quarterback trade over offseason
- Pittsburgh Steelers urged to avoid veteran quarterback in free agency