The Los Angeles Rams went all in for the 2021 NFL season, acquiring quarterback Matthew Stafford for Jared Goff and multiple early picks. The trade worked out for both sides, with the Rams winning Super Bowl 56 and Goff leading a resurgent Detroit Lions team to new heights the last two seasons.
Things have recently gotten weird between Stafford and the Rams, with the team permitting its signal-caller to speak with other teams. PFSN’s latest mock draft now predicts Los Angeles will find Stafford’s replacement early in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rams Find Matthew Stafford’s Replacement In Ole Miss Quarterback
Stafford came into Los Angeles hot, throwing for 4,886 yards, 41 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions in his first year with the team. He added another 1,188 yards and nine scores in the postseason en route to a Super Bowl 56 victory.
The following year, Stafford was limited to nine games with a scary spinal cord contusion, and his production has dipped each of the last two seasons. Stafford’s 2024 season was his worst statistically in which he’s played 15+ games, throwing for 3,762 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently reported that the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, and Pittsburgh Steelers have shown early interest in acquiring Stafford, and that the veteran will likely get a raise to $55 million wherever he ends up.
So where would Los Angeles go if they complete a Stafford trade?
PFSN’s Marco Enriquez put out a recent mock draft with Los Angeles selecting Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Jaxson Dart at No. 26 overall.
Enriquez wrote, “The Rams look like they may be heading towards a youth movement. They are set on moving on from Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford’s status is also up in the air right now. No matter what happens with Stafford, Jaxson Dart is an easy selection for the Rams if he falls this far.
“Dart is my QB1 in this class, just slightly ahead of the aforementioned [Cam] Ward and [Shedeur] Sanders. Some may not like his big-game-hunting play style at times, but with strong coaching, he has all the traits to be a franchise cornerstone.
“Dart demonstrates dual-threat capabilities with strong mobility and the ability to extend plays. His arm strength is promising, but improving his accuracy and decision-making under pressure are going to be a priority. Pairing him with Sean McVay and a pass catcher like Puka Nacua could do wonders for his development.”
The three-year Ole Miss starter began his college career at USC before heading to the SEC. Dart improved each year, finishing with 4,279 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2024. He led the conference in yards, completion percentage (69.3%), and yards per game (329.2) last season.
Dart could slide into Sean McVay’s offense well. If the Rams took him (or any quarterback in the first round), they’d be taking a huge gamble moving on from a Super Bowl-winning veteran. Los Angeles has just over two months to decide what to do on Night 1 of the 2025 NFL Draft.