The Los Angeles Rams are sitting in a pretty good spot so far in the offseason when one of the biggest questions on the roster is who will be the backup quarterback. As it stands, the Rams haven’t brought back Jimmy Garoppolo, and it would be difficult to trust Stetson Bennett as the lone quarterback behind Stafford. Despite the Rams having a need at quarterback behind Stafford, they do have plenty of options.
1. Trade for Anthony Richardson or JJ McCarthy
While Anthony Richardson may not fit the prototypical Shanahan-McVay style quarterback, he would certainly be an option and there is interest. Last October, it was reported that Richardson would be open to a fresh start with a ‘premier playcaller such as Sean McVay.’ The Rams are also among the teams that have checked in on Richardson with the Colts with his value believed to be a late Day 3 pick.
The question here becomes whether or not the Rams believe they can develop Richardson and if he provides more than a rookie. It’s possible that the Rams could be interested in players such as Drew Allar or Cade Klubnik who may go on Day 3 of the draft. Richardson has always had the talent, but he’s lacked consistency and his play style hasn’t allowed him to stay healthy.
There have been several quarterbacks that have rediscovered themselves in a new situation in recent years. Sam Darnold and Geno Smith are just two recent examples. However, both came from bad situations in the New York Jets. It’s hard to say that the Colts were a bad situation. Richardson makes sense as a potential bridge quarterback post-Stafford if McVay can work around a different play style at the position. However, they may simply be better off going with a rookie and starting fresh on their own.
Another option could be JJ McCarthy. The Minnesota Vikings just signed Kyler Murray and don’t seem sold on McCarthy. With that said, Kevin O’Connell has gotten the most out of Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold. If McCarthy isn’t having success with O’Connell, that is a red flag.
2. Draft Ty Simpson in First Round
This is an option that many fans wouldn’t want. Still, with how the Rams are approaching the offseason, it is one that makes sense. The Rams haven’t brought back Garoppolo and already addressed their biggest need in the draft when they traded the 29th overall pick for Trent McDuffie. In a sense, the 13th overall pick is a luxury. If the Rams like Simpson and see him as the potential future, taking him in the first round and getting that fifth-year option is the best path.
An issue with Simpson is the lack of experience. There is a widespread agreement that Simpson isn’t a quarterback that can or should start on day one. With the Rams, he wouldn’t need to. Simpson would be able to sit behind Stafford and develop while learning more of the nuances of the position. It’s the perfect situation for Simpson as a lot wouldn’t be asked of him right away. The Rams may not be drafting 13th overall for a while. This would be an opportunity for the Rams to draft a quarterback in the first round and get somebody in place behind Stafford.
3. Sign Cousins, Garoppolo, or Tua
It wouldn’t be surprising if the Rams are also waiting out Kirk Cousins’ market. Heading into the offseason, it was thought that Cousins may be able to land a starting quarterback job after spending much of last season as the backup in Atlanta. However, that hasn’t come to fruition as the Jets traded for Geno Smith and the Vikings signed Kyler Murray. The Cardinals also signed Gardner Minshew and the Raiders are set to draft Fernando Mendoza.
Cousins’ best option right now may be to take a backup quarterback role. The issue with teams like the Cardinals and Browns is they will be trying to lose to position themselves well for the 2027 quarterback class. Cousins gives both of those teams a strong baseline when it comes to winning football games. Where Cousins plays may be contingent on what Aaron Rodgers decides to do. If Rodgers returns, Cousins could settle for a backup role with the Rams. However, if Rodgers retires, the Steelers could look to bring in Cousins to start and make a push for the playoffs.
McVay and Cousins have a history going back to their time in Washington. The fact that the Rams haven’t brought back Garoppolo yet is telling. Tua Tagovailoa is also someone to watch here as a player who has experience in the system. If the Rams go the veteran backup route, this is the option to watch.
4. Draft Mid-Round Quarterback
In most years, drafting a quarterback in the middle rounds is a waste of time. While there are always exceptions such as Brock Purdy or Russell Wilson, the hit rate at the position significantly drops off after the top 15 picks. However, if there is a year in which a quarterback in the middle rounds hits, this may be it.
With this quarterback class, there are a lot of players in the middle rounds who have developmental tools. Drew Allar has a great arm to go with some athleticism. He simply needs to work on accuracy and some of the fundamentals in the pocket. Cade Klubnik has the makings of a good quarterback in a Shanahan-McVay style offense. However, Klubnik needs to improve some of his processing and decision-making. Cole Payton has some intriguing tools and athleticism, but his elongated motion might be too reminiscent of Tim Tebow. Garrett Nussmeier may go earlier, but he has strong bloodlines and processing. Still, Nussmeier has his flaws.
We haven’t seen the Rams and McVay develop their own quarterback, but this may be the class to do that. At the very least, a player like Allar, Klubnik, or Nussmeier would be able to push Stetson Bennett and add some competition behind Stafford.
5. Roll with Stetson Bennett
When the Rams drafted Stetson Bennett is 2023, the plan was to make him the long-term backup. This is someone that would almost be a second quarterback coach and understand the ins and outs of the system. If needed, Bennett would be able to be trusted to operate the offense for a game or two and potentially be a bridge quarterback post-Stafford.
However, for much of the past three years, Bennett has been the third-string quarterback. He took a year off during his rookie season and returned as the third string quarterback behind Jimmy Garoppolo. His only game experience has come in the preseason where he’s shown some flashes, but also been inconsistent. Bennett has struggled with decision-making and getting baited into poor throws over the middle that lead to interceptions. At 5’11, 192 pounds, it’s hard to see him holding up physically over the course of a true NFL game. Again, when the Rams drafted Bennett, the plan was for him to be the long-term backup. It’s possible that the Rams feel that he’s ready to do that. At the same time, not many would have a lot of confidence if Bennett’s number was called.
