{"id":743476,"date":"2026-02-10T22:56:19","date_gmt":"2026-02-10T22:56:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/743476\/"},"modified":"2026-02-10T22:56:19","modified_gmt":"2026-02-10T22:56:19","slug":"rams-linked-to-former-top-5-pick-after-matthew-stafford-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/743476\/","title":{"rendered":"Rams Linked to Former Top-5 Pick After Matthew Stafford News"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Matthew\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts.<\/p>\n

The Los Angeles Rams<\/a> can take solace in knowing that Matthew Stafford<\/a> is in for 2026, leaving them free to address their other roster needs this offseason. However, the Rams would be wise to address their quarterback room, despite the 2025 MVP\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n

They could also lose their top incumbent option behind Stafford.<\/p>\n

In reality, the Rams must make a move at the position, lest they leave themselves short on experience and, presumably, upside on the roster if something happens to Stafford.<\/p>\n

Rams Linked as Potential Landing Spot for Colts QB Anthony Richardson After Matthew Stafford News\"Anthony<\/p>\n

GettyAnthony Richardson Sr. #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on before a game against the Houston Texans<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Stafford is under contract with the Rams in the final season of a two-year, $84 million deal<\/a>. But top backup Jimmy Garoppolo<\/a> is a free agent this offseason, and could have interest from other teams, some of whom the Rams are all too familiar with.<\/p>\n

Stetson Bennett IV<\/a>, a fourth-round pick in the 2023 draft who has yet to log a regular-season snap, is the only other QB under contract for the Rams.<\/p>\n

ESPN\u2019s Benjamin Solak speculated the Rams could be in on Anthony Richardson Sr.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cMatthew Stafford won the MVP award and confirmed his return for another season in 2026, but I don\u2019t trust his back at all \u2014 even and especially after the iron man season he just had,\u201d Solak wrote<\/a> on February 10. \u201cThey should strongly pursue young backups on the trade market this offseason. Will Levis<\/a> is a great fit, as is Tanner McKee<\/a>. But I\u2019d wager [Sean] McVay<\/a> wants more playmaking at the position, so watch out for Anthony Richardson<\/a> and Spencer Rattler<\/a> as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

Richardson, who currently requires a trade<\/a> to land, is the youngest and highest-drafted player among the potential options that Solak listed. He is also the most polarizing because of the latter reality after the Indianapolis Colts<\/a> replaced him as the starter and had a Pro Bowl season.<\/p>\n

Anthony Richardson Comes With Red Flags\"Anthony<\/p>\n

GettyAnthony Richardson Sr. #5 of the Indianapolis Colts looks on after facing the Denver Broncos<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Richardson\u2019s replacement, Daniel Jones<\/a>, was a former \u201cbust\u201d himself before resuscitating his career. So, all is not lost for the No. 4 overall pick of the 2023 draft.<\/p>\n

Their respective reclamation project stages in their careers are for different reasons, though.<\/p>\n

Jones came from a dysfunctional system with the New York Giants<\/a>. He also spent a brief time with the Minnesota Vikings<\/a> in 2024 before signing with the Colts in free agency during the 2025 offseason.<\/p>\n

Richardson\u2019s tenure in Indy effectively ended because of inefficient play and questions about his toughness. The latter came after he removed himself from a game due to fatigue.<\/p>\n

He ended the 2025 season on injured reserve after suffering an eye injury off the field.<\/p>\n

If the Rams are to be concerned about Stafford\u2019s durability, Richardson\u2019s history could eliminate him from consideration. Levis (Tennessee Titans<\/a>) and Rattler (New Orleans Saints<\/a>) are both former starters. McKee (Philadelphia Eagles<\/a>) has performed well in limited opportunities.<\/p>\n

However, the Rams\u2019 offensive success is invariably linked to Stafford\u2019s health heading into the 2026 offseason.<\/p>\n

Rams QB Expected to Cross Enemy Lines Again\"Jimmy<\/p>\n

GettyJimmy Garoppolo #11 of the Los Angeles Rams before facing the Houston Texans.<\/p>\n

While Stafford is in, Garoppolo\u2019s free agency could deliver a noteworthy plot twist for the Rams this offseason.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith new head coach Mike LaFleur<\/a> stepping in with the Sean McVay system, I would not be surprised to see Rams free agent Jimmy Garoppolo also make his way to Arizona<\/a> as a potential spot starter,\u201d Solak wrote.<\/p>\n

LaFleur was the Rams\u2019 offensive coordinator for the past three seasons.<\/p>\n

The Cardinals have Jacoby Brissett<\/a> under contract, and Solak believes they must also invest in a younger option. Garoppolo has joined a divisional rival before as an ex-San Francisco 49er<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Rams\u2019 plans behind Stafford can include, but must stop at, hoping for Garoppolo to return in 2026. He performed well in Stafford\u2019s stead as the latter navigated his back injury last offseason. But Garoppolo turns 35 during the season.<\/p>\n

At some point, the Rams will need a long-term plan behind Stafford.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJosh Buckhalter<\/a> 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<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Rams\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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