Jimmy Garoppolo is the ideal bridge QB

Rams must look no further than Jimmy G at QB if Matthew Stafford is traded this offseason

This offseason has been nothing but doom and gloom for the L.A. Rams’ offense. Most of it has involved Cooper Kupp, and now the Matthew Stafford trade rumors are once again picking up steam. If LA decides to trade Stafford, the Rams already have the perfect bridge quarterback on the roster—Jimmy Garoppolo.

Yeah, I know the thought of Garoppolo starting under center in 2025 is not a fun one, especially after watching Stafford the last few seasons. He’s too safe of an option for LA and yet, he’s the exact player to run Sean McVay’s offense in case the Stafford situation goes south.

The Eastern Illinois product has started 64 games in his 11-year NFL career and has a 43-21 record. In his two postseason runs with the 49ers, Garoppolo played in two NFC Championships and helped lead San Francisco to the 2020 Super Bowl, otherwise known as the game that officially kicked off the Chiefs dynasty.

All Garoppolo has done is win as he ranks top five in win percentage across the league since 2000.

For as much as Garoppolo has been mocked over the years, he was part of the Niners’ return to relevance under Kyle Shanahan. After Garoppolo was traded to the Bay Area in 2017, he won his first five starts, an impressive feat no doubt considering SF begun that season 1-10.

Jimmy G would ideally not be a long-term option for Los Angeles if they decide to re-sign him ahead of free agency. He’s likely the best backup option the Rams have had in the last three years and retaining him should be one of the top priorities for Les Snead to resolve—after he figures out what to do with Kupp and Stafford, of course.

LA fans saw how Garoppolo could perform in a McVay offense back in Week 18 when he completed 27-of-41 passes for 334 yards, 2 touchdown passes and an interception. Although Garoppolo didn’t do enough to get the win over Seattle in the finale, he gave fans a glimpse of what he could do with young playmakers like Jordan Whittington if thrust back into the starting role.

I’m not trying to talk anyone into Jimmy G long-term. No one should want that. He is better suited to be a bridge with the Stafford situation a major question mark hanging over the franchise. Whatever drama is going on with Stafford is unlikely to blow over anytime soon, and the Rams would be smart to plan ahead just in case.

LA must move quickly by retaining Jimmy Garoppolo if this thing gets any messier.

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