Backing up Matthew Stafford

Nine candidates for the Rams QB#2 job

While the rumors and insinuations surrounding Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and whether or not he is staying put in L.A. is interesting fodder for fan sites, one fact remain constant. He is under contract for 2025. Until one side blinks and the other tries to leverage it by leaking something, fans must carry on as if it’s business as usual and Staff leads the offense.

If you’re going to go with an older quarterback, it makes good sense to have a dependable backup. Last year, the Rams had Jimmy Garappolo and although he never had to come on in relief, there was a certain comfort level with an experienced backup. Currently on the Rams roster, it’s Staff and Stetson Bennett at QB and there’s not any comfort level with Bennett as the backup.

Who would fit the Rams needs best? Here’s a look at possible candidates.

Looking for a second chance

Danny Jones – 6’ 5” 221 lb.

Originally a 2019 Round 1 pick, Jones went from #6 overall to being cut in late 2024. Bust? Or needing a fresh start in a welcoming offense? Four offensive coordinators in five seasons does not bode well for growth. After being released, he was picked up by the Minnesota Vikings. He was signed at the veteran minimum after collecting $108mil from the New York Giants and is now a free agent. Played in a Sean McVay-style West Coast offense in college under a “QB guru”. Good, not great arm. Reads the field well, but needs to trust his arm on hitting receivers coming open into windows. Strong scrambler with good passing mechanics/technique. Many pundits thought he was more of a Day 2 draft talent rather than franchise player. Could McVay and Dave Ragone (L.A. QB coach) help fulfill his potential?

Justin Fields – 6’ 3” 227 lb.

The Chicago Bears took Fields at #11 in the 2021 draft and after four pro seasons, 50 games with 44 starts, he’s still a work in progress. The ChiBears traded him to Pittsburgh before the 2024 season in exchange for a conditional Round 6 pick. His strength is as a dual threat. As a runner, he’s very fast with a strong lower half and as a passer, he combines a strong arm with good accuracy. So far, Fields’ problems appear to stem from holding the ball too long. This could have a simple fix or be the harbinger of deep problems. I think most fans would love to see a mobile QB of his potential play in the McVay offense. With so many QB openings and the draft class not being particularly strong, Fields may have suitors for a QB#1 role and not fit into the affordable slot.

Zach Wilson – 6’ 2 214 lb.

Could the Rams be a life line for the former #2 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft? After being inserted into the starting lineup before he was ready, Wilson could not steady himself and rebound. Practicing and meeting every day with Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay could be a powerful maturation tool. He has the gunslinger traits and the boom/bust potential that goes with them. His draft profile was of a smoothly athletic player with a big arm who loves to throw deep and was accurate at it. Able to throw off platform, extend plays with his feet, and make his reads. What he lacked was in-game discipline. He could go into “hero ball” mode, forcing throws and making self-induced mistakes. This has been magnified in the pro game.

Draft

Kyle McCord – 6’ 3” 224 lb.

A five-star prospect out of high school waited his turn to play at Ohio State. As a junior, he went 11-1, completing 66% of his passes with a stellar touchdown/interception ratio. In the pressure chamber of Buckeye football, that was arguably not considered good enough and McCord bolted for Syracuse in the transfer portal where he stacked another strong performance. Good arm, lower body mechanics, and an understanding of where he wants to attack leads to accurate throws. Not a big threat to take off and run, he’s going to stand tall in the pocket and deliver the ball. His ability to process quickly and single out weak areas helps him read and beat the blitz.

Seth Henigan – 6’ 3” 213 lb.

An under-the-radar prospect who put up big numbers at Memphis. Henigan is not a gifted run/throw weapon that will step into a QB#1 role. His strength’s are football IQ, decision making, passing accuracy. Good at all facets of playing QB, but not franchise grade in any. Primarily a pocket passer, he was tasked with full field reads. Not a bursty player, but good awareness in the pocket, adequate mobility and can throw on the run at any arm angle. Although his arm strength is not stellar, he makes up with anticipatory skills and accuracy. Plays like a coaches kid, which he is. High school state champion, four-year starter in college with three bowl wins (two MVPs), and played in the Senior Bowl. On the game-winning Senior Bowl drive he was never flustered, just patiently took what was given, moved down the field, and delivered at the end.

Kurtis Rourke – 6’ 5” 231 lb.

One of the few true pocket passers in this year’s draft. He’s got valued size and a good, not great arm. More of a finesse passer than fire-baller, very quick and compact release over good foot work makes him very accurate. Plays in an offense similar to the Rams and although he likes to hit that first read, he can stay patient and get through his progressions. Successfully led offenses at two schools, Ran with the ball often early in his career, but didn’t do lot a a senior. He’s not super athletic, fast, or bursty, but competitive and fearless to move the chains. Reports are that he played the 2024 season with torn ligaments in his knee, the same leg/injury suffered back in 2022. The Rams have definitely scouted/seen Rourke at play, they signed his Ohio teammate WR Sam Wiglusz as a UDFA in 2024.

Greybeards

Jimmy Garappolo – 6’ 2” 226 lb.

There’s no real reason why the Rams shouldn’t re-sign Jimmy G, he fits like a glove into the “right now” backup QB criteria and has a grasp on the Sean McVay offense. As part of 64 starts, Garappolo has a couple of starting (QB#1) season’s amongst his 82 total games. Not a gamebreaker, more of a “system” or caretaker QB. Likes to go to his first read, and better in short/mid depth areas. Very quick release good anticipation throwing into windows. Pure pocket passer who stands in and can deliver in the face of a rush. Not athletic enough to damage as a runner. He’s a free agent and his cap hit was a touch over $3mil last season.

Russell Wilson – 5’ 11” 204 lb.

Why? I say, ”why not?” Reports out of Pittsburgh are that they want someone to grow with and the 36 year-old doesn’t fit into that plan. He’s likely destined to backup roles as his career winds down. He would not come to L.A. to compete for QB#1, but rather as high-end insurance policy. He could win games on a one week basis or long-term if disaster strikes. Last year, he played at the the vet minimum ($1.2mil) and showed he’s still got some game. He may want to compete for a #1 job, but I think he’ll hear a lot of “looking for someone younger” answers.

Jacoby Brissett – 6’ 4” 231 lb.

Experienced in learning new offenses, having played for five different teams. Although a career backup, it hasn’t been all off the bench work. Over his 87 total games, he’s logged 53 starts. Has a strong arm to make all the throw’s and show’s touch, when needed. Throws for an adequate completion percentage and has compiled a good touchdown/interception rate. Although Brissett doesn’t run like his early days, but is still very mobile, navigates the pocket and can make something of nothing when flushed. He’s big and strong enough to shake off arm tacklers. Known for his team-first attitude. The free agent played at an $8mil cap hit last season.

Why these guys? There are plenty of others

First and foremost, most are low-cost additions. The rookies are mid/late picks and no one will be likely be pounding on the veterans doors with bags of cash.

As far as traits and play on the field, each is capable of leading a West Coast-style offense. Comfortable in shotgun, making that correct first read and getting the ball out and into the hands of playmakers. They are all quite accurate, as well and accuracy is the most basic of all QB traits. While only Fields is a weapon running the ball, all have the requisite mobility to function in the NFL. And finally, they all have above average arms.

Who do you like better?