The L.A. Rams’ Post Stafford Plan?

Quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off an MVP-caliber season. After taking home the award, he confirmed that he will be back with the L.A. Rams for 2026. Because of that, the urgency to find an immediate replacement has cooled, but it should not vanish.

Stafford is 38 years old. However, the Rams are not currently acting with desperation regarding a successor. But the plan for 2026 and beyond is a mix of veteran stability and potential draft developmental pieces.

But what exactly is the plan moving forward if Stafford leaves after 2026?

The L.A. Rams ‘Hollywood’ Blueprint After Stafford

Short-Term Insurance

Stetson Bennett is currently the most tenured backup in head coach Sean McVay’s system. While there has been debate about his ceiling, the front office has praised his growth over the 2025 NFL season. He is currently positioned as the primary internal backup.

Jimmy Garoppolo served as the primary backup for the L.A. Rams during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. As of March 2026, he is a free agent. But there are rumors he may sign elsewhere (with teams like the Arizona Cardinals needing a quarterback). This would leave a significant hole in the veteran safety net role.

The Bridge Blueprint

The Rams have a history of bringing in high-floor veterans to stabilize the room. Names currently being floated around the league circles as potential ‘reclamation’ projects if Stafford were to retire after 2026 include:

• Baker Mayfield: A reunion has been theorized if he does not reach an extension with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before his contract expires in 2027.
• Davis Mills: Some journalists have suggested the Rams trade for the Texans’ backup to provide a more reliable veteran presence than Bennett.
• Zach Wilson: He has been linked to the Rams due to his connection with current Rams quarterback coach Dave Canales from their time in New York.

The 2026 Draft Plan

L.A. Rams general manager Les Snead has indicated that while they are not desperate, they are scouting the next chapter. The Rams hold the 13th overall pick (acquired by Atlanta) and the 61st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Many mock drafts have the Rams looking at mid to late round developmental prospects like Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green and North Dakota State passer Cole Payton, rather than burning a first-round pick on a quarterback while Stafford is still playing at an elite level. 

Reflection

Either way, the Rams must be ready. Stafford could have a significant injury or have an inconsistent year. When that happens, expect the phones to be ringing a little bit more than normal. The Rams are keeping this in the back of their mind that their MVP cannot keep playing forever.