The Los Angeles Rams are at a crossroads with their quarterback situation, and the air around Matthew Stafford’s continuation with the team is already moving too fast. Stafford’s contract demands don’t align with their plans, but there’s some ease for L.A. as it seems to have a backup plan ready—Jimmy Garoppolo.
Los Angeles Rams Are Relying On Jimmy Garoppolo If Matthew Stafford Exits
Stafford is still under contract with L.A., but his rumored desire for a new deal worth around $50 million per year, along with trade compensation, has left the Rams considering all options. If a trade happens, Garoppolo appears to be the next man up.
According to Dianna Russini on the Scoop City podcast, the Rams feel confident in Garoppolo as a potential starter.
“Look, here’s what I know—the Rams are comfortable with Jimmy Garoppolo,” she said on the podcast. “So Jimmy will be a free agent, and I expect them to sign Jimmy… This is why Sean McVay gets all the credit that he deserves, because he is like a Kevin O’Connell in terms of give him a quarterback who can run his offense, and they can have success.”
She also emphasized that this isn’t just a leverage play to pressure Stafford. “I can tell you the Rams feel good about Jimmy G; they do. And I don’t think this is them daring Matthew to walk.”
Garoppolo has spent the past season as the backup quarterback. He has learned his lessons and has delivered solid performances when given the opportunity, particularly in a game against the Seattle Seahawks, where he completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. His familiarity with McVay’s system makes him an appealing option if things go south.
NFL insider Peter Schrager also echoed this sentiment while speaking to PSFN at the Super Bowl.
“As for the Rams, I’ll tell you what, I know it sounds crazy now, but Jimmy Garoppolo is pretty well-liked there this season,” Schrager said. “I know that he’s not necessarily got the career that Stafford has, but he had a nice little season this year for them, so I think he’d be the first option before they look to blow it up and go somewhere totally different and young.”
The Rams’ priority remains to resolve Stafford’s situation and, to put it nicely, their quarterback situation. However, if the veteran quarterback finds a new home, Garoppolo could step in as the bridge option, keeping the offense afloat without forcing a complete reset at the position.