Would Will Levis make sense as a trade option at quarterback for the Rams?
It was a mild surprise when the Los Angeles Rams did not select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. While there was some noise around Jaxon Dart and Jalen Milroe, some thought that the Rams may target a player like Will Howard or Kyle McCord later in the draft.
Instead, the Rams stood pat and set themselves up for 2026. Jimmy Garoppolo proved to be a quality backup behind Matthew Stafford as a player who can operate the system. It made sense that the Rams would want him back. At the same time, Garoppolo doesn’t provide much of a future behind Stafford.
Behind Garoppolo, the Rams have Stetson Bennett. Bennett will be heading into year three. At this point, the Rams would have expected him to develop into a reliable backup. Instead, by bringing back Garoppolo, it’s clear that Bennett isn’t trusted in that capacity by the coaching staff. Over the past two preseasons, Bennett has eight interceptions and has been inside the top-5 in turnover-worthy play percentage.
Bennett will turn 28 years old in October. At this point, he is what he is as a quarterback. The idea with Bennett was always that he would turn into the long-term backup. However, as he heads into year three, the Rams brought back Garoppolo. It would make sense for the Rams to bring in a different project that may develop into a backup or become a tradeable asset.
Justin Melo of The Draft Network pitched the idea of the Rams being a team that should trade for Will Levis. Said Melo,
“It’s surprising the Los Angeles Rams didn’t draft a quarterback after nearly splitting with Matthew Stafford earlier this offseason. The 37-year-old is closer to retirement and the Rams are obviously all-in on winning now. The current backup is a 33-year-old Jimmy Garoppolo. There have been no thoughts about life after Stafford. Stetson Bennett remains on the roster. Rams head coach Sean McVay would be the ideal candidate to help develop Levis’ physical abilities into a more well-rounded skill set. McVay appreciates a good project after once salvaging Baker Mayfield from similar bust territory. Levis couldn’t ask for a better environment than the one in L.A., where he’d learn from a Hall of Fame-worthy QB and brilliant offensive mind.”
It would have been interesting had Levis dropped to the 36th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, at this point, it’s hard to see the Rams giving up draft capital for Levis. The Rams do have three sixth round picks next year, but they also already traded a 2026 fourth-round pick for Ty Hamilton in April’s draft. Levis also counts for $2.6 million and $3 million against the cap over the next two seasons.
The Rams and Sean McVay have done a good job rehabilitating quarterbacks in the past. McVay helped revive Baker Mayfield’s career in 2022 and Garoppolo played well last season after struggling with the Las Vegas Raiders. From a timeline perspective, Levis could also make sense as he could be the QB3 this year and then give the Rams options in 2026 if they don’t like the incoming quarterback class. If Levis were to play well in a Week 18 game, he could become the young quarterback to learn behind Stafford as he is just 26. At the time time, the Rams could flip him next season to a quarterback-needy team.
With that said, a trade for Levis seems unlikely. They had opportunities to acquire Justin Fields, Daniel Jones, Mac Jones, and other and opted not to do so. The Rams seem content with their current quarterback room and already made a move for a future young quarterback by acquiring the Atlanta Falcons 2026 first-round pick.
Levis on the Rams as a reclamation project for McVay would certainly be interesting. However, with the Rams focused on competing in 2025, it’s not something that seems likely.
