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Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay looks on against the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship Game.
The Los Angeles Rams’ quarterback situation remains intriguing for head coach Sean McVay, even heading into the 2026 offseason with the reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford. The Rams’ roster behind Stafford is at least a mild concern
Their only other quarterback under contract is 2023 fourth-round selection Stetson Bennett IV.
Veteran and two-time Super Bowl champion Jimmy Garoppolo is heading to free agency, and his outlook grows more encouraging by the day.
Jimmy Garoppolo Could Price Out of Rams’ Roster Plans
GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams looks on before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Carolina Panthers.
The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin reported on the Arizona Cardinals emerging as a landing spot for Garoppolo due to former Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur taking over as head coach of the NFC West foe.
That connection continues to build steam, but Garoppolo could attract at least one other suitor in free agency this offseason.
He could also still be in LA’s plans if he chooses, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
“Free agent Jimmy Garoppolo heading to Arizona is a strong option, too. The Cardinals have interest, and Mike LaFleur is considered very close with Garoppolo. ‘That’s his guy,’ a league source said,” Fowler wrote on March 1.
“Something to keep in mind with Garoppolo: He has one of the league’s best QB2 jobs with the Rams, who would welcome him back. Joining Green Bay as a No. 2 is also an option.”
The Packers have Jordan Love, but will almost certainly lose QB Malik Willis in free agency.
Garoppolo’s chances of returning to the Rams would seemingly greatly improve if his only alternative is a backup role in Green Bay, rather than another opportunity to start. It would particularly sting if he left to join an NFC West rival in the Cardinals.
Regardless of what Garoppolo does, though, the Rams will need to address their long-term plans at quarterback sooner rather than later.
Stafford turned 38 in February. Garoppolo turns 35 in November.
Bennett, the youngest QB on the Rams’ roster, turns 29 in October and has never thrown a pass during a regular-season game. The Rams figure to at least explore their options in the draft and free agency this offseason.
Rams Could Benefit From Cardinals’ Plans
GettyKyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on against the Green Bay Packers.
Fowler noted that current Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is eager to find another opportunity, and Arizona would appear ready to do the same, given the recurring mentions of Garoppolo if he leaves the Rams.
Depending on how Murray’s situation plays out, the Rams could be a fine landing spot.
A trade would be costly, both in terms of draft capital and the remainder of Murray’s five-year, $230.5 million contract that runs through 2028.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on the situation alongside Fowler, noting that “odds favor” Murray’s release due to his exorbitant salary, which could drive down their potential return in a trade this offseason.
The question the Rams would face then is whether another team views Murray as a starter.
If not, the Rams could do as they have with other former No. 1 overall picks, namely Baker Mayfield, and provide a strong environment for Murray to resuscitate his value.
Rams assistant head coach Kliff Kingsbury was Murray’s head coach in Arizona from 2019 through 2022, and the two are said to have a frosty relationship at best. However, time has passed since they parted ways, and their greatest successes have come together.
The Rams know what Murray can do as opponents and, with Kingsbury, as partners.
Whether that helps or hurts his case for landing in LA is unclear, but the connection is there if the Rams pursue a more dynamic option behind Stafford this offseason.
Josh Buckhalter covers the NBA and NFL for Heavy.com. He has covered both leagues since 2016, including bylines at FanSided, Last Word on Sports and Clocker Sports. He’s based in Villa Park, Illinois. Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram: @JoshGBuck More about Josh Buckhalter
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