Sean McVay has already won a Super Bowl as the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, and they appear to be true contenders to compete for another one. He will enter the 2026 NFL season with Matthew Stafford as his starting quarterback again, but he is apparently exploring his options for a new backup. He recently said that he has an interest in Kirk Cousins to fill this role.
Why Sean McVay Is Considering Kirk Cousins as Matthew Stafford’s Backup
The Rams currently have Stetson Bennett IV as the only other quarterback besides Stafford on their roster. McVay apparently sees this as an area where they can improve, potentially adding a veteran as a more reliable insurance policy. The Athletic’s Nate Atkins recently reported on the situation.
“Sean McVay said the Rams are looking at Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins for their backup QB role. Sure sounds like they want a veteran with experience behind Matthew Stafford this year,” said Atkins.
Sean McVay said the Rams are looking at Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins for their backup QB role.
Sure sounds like they want a veteran with experience behind Matthew Stafford this year.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) March 30, 2026
Garoppolo has spent the past two years as a backup for Stafford, so it makes sense that McVay considers him to be one of their top options to do so again for the 2026 season. He is also apparently exploring a theoretical update in Cousins, who is currently a free agent.
Cousins departed the Atlanta Falcons after Michael Penix Jr. surpassed him as their starting quarterback. They also added Tua Tagovailoa during the offseason, so Cousins is seeking new opportunities. While he would likely prefer to find a starting job, the Rams’ backup role is allegedly one of his options.
He made eight starts for the Falcons last year when Penix was injured, but finished just 30th among all quarterbacks in PFSN’s Impact Rankings. This likely contributed to their decision to move on from him at the conclusion of the season and essentially replace him with Tagovailoa.
Garoppolo is also currently a free agent after his contract with the Rams expired, but given that he is already familiar with McVay and his offensive system, he would be a logical option for the role. He has been mostly a backup for the past three seasons, two with the Rams, since his run as a starter with the San Francisco 49ers.
Whether it be Garoppolo or Cousins, or potentially a different option, there appears to be no threat to Stafford’s job as their starter. He is the defending NFL MVP and has won three playoff games in the past two years, proving he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
