The Los Angeles Rams remain hopeful for Matthew Stafford’s return, but the arrival of a new quarterback could place additional pressure on the 38-year-old veteran next season in relation to the QB1 position.
Miami QB Linked to Rams Despite Matthew Stafford’s Return
During a segment on CBS Sports, journalist Danny Kanell said the Los Angeles Rams are a possible destination for Tua Tagovailoa to restart his career as a backup for the franchise, eventually competing for the QB1 position if Stafford’s return does not go as planned.
“His confidence was rocked, and I think the best case scenario for him is to go to a good football team with a quarterback who’s either older and, you know, (he) might have a chance to sit back. I think of the Rams as an opportunity for him to go. Matthew Stafford, who is coming back, MVP season, but he can’t play forever,” Kanell said.
“He’s going to be 38. I think that makes a ton of sense. You get to kind of take a breather, you go on a good football team. If something happens to Matthew Stafford, you come in, … you (have) a great supporting staff, a great coach. Somebody’s already produced good offense. So I think that’s one spot.”
🗣️ @dannykanell suggests the Los Angeles Rams as a possible destination for Tua Tagovailoa
“I think Tua should take a breather and go somewhere as a backup”
This would be an extremely interesting pairing with Sean McVay and behind Matthew Stafford 👀#PhinsUp #RamsH pic.twitter.com/V2i5OJYMlI
— The List – Dolphins Podcast (@TheListFinsPod) February 11, 2026
Miami knows Tagovailoa will have a significant financial impact on the $99 million salary cap if he is released before June 1, or $54 million if he remains on the roster. From a business standpoint, trading the quarterback appears to be the most appropriate decision, even if the team must absorb most of the contract.
How Could Tagovailoa Fit In With The Rams?
If signed by the Rams, the $212,400,000 quarterback could thrive under Sean McVay, a coach who emphasizes running to open space in the middle of the field and uses motions to identify defensive coverage. Tagovailoa’s primary strength lies in attacks requiring quick ball release and anticipation, similar to his role in Mike McDaniel’s system in Miami.
Despite his inconsistency with the Dolphins, Tagovailoa (who ranks No. 27 in PFSN’s QB Impact Metric with a C- grade) is among the league’s best at passing after juke moves and quickly processing defensive shifts.
His arrival in Los Angeles would be positive, given the tactical fit with McVay’s offensive strategies, but the offense would need to minimize reliance on deep passes and maximize efficiency on anticipation throws.
