Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore.
The Los Angeles Rams already have a starting quarterback for the 2026 season. Reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Matthew Stafford is returning to the Rams next season, despite rumors that he was potentially retiring after the 2025 season.
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Now, the Rams need to find a backup quarterback.
Los Angeles has used Jimmy Garoppolo as a backup quarterback for the last two seasons. Garoppolo is an unrestricted free agent who head coach Sean McVay said the Rams are open to re-sigining this offseason.
But if a deal with Garoppolo does not work out, McVay has his eyes set on another veteran free agent quarterback.
At the annual NFL league meetings in Phoenix, Arizona, McVay sent a public message to four-time Pro Bowler Kirk Cousins. Cousins became a free agent after the Atlanta Falcons released him on March 11.
“Kirk was awesome,” McVay said on ESPN. “He’s special, he’s played at a high level. He’s a starting quarterback in this league. It’s just a matter of what he’s looking for, what the situation is. If there is some interest in us, Kirk, come see us, man. I would love to have you.”
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McVay Coached Cousins At Washington
McVay is familiar with Cousins from their time spent together with the Washington Commanders. McVay was the offensive coordinator for Washington from 2014-16 during the same time Cousins was the team’s starting quarterback.
McVay credits Cousins’ performance during those years for helping him get the job at the Rams’ head coach in 2017.
“Kirk and I experienced a lot of first things together and so there was a real foundational relationship,” McVay said on ESPN. “His success, and really, the success we were able to have as a team was instrumental in getting an opportunity to get to L.A. So I’m forever indebted to him, and guys like Jordan Reed.”
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Cousins will be going into the 15th season of his career, and it could be the perfect time to reunite with a former coach from the earlier days of his career.
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images