The Los Angeles Rams just had an amazing season falling just short of the Super Bowl. Matthew Stafford had one of his best seasons. If he decides to retire and walk away, he would be leaving them with no plan at quarterback.
After the loss to the Seahawks in the NFC Championship game, Stafford answered some tough questions regarding his future.
“It will be a lot. There will be a lot that goes into it. It’s a physical, mental, and emotional decision. A personal and a family decision as well. So, we’ll figure all that kind of stuff out with some time.”
If Stafford calls it a career, the Rams have no plan for the next era of their franchise. It’s no secret that head coach Sean McVay is a huge fan of Stafford, acquiring his services via trade in 2021 from the Detroit Lions. His talent and excellence on the field are undeniable but at age 37 he is closer to retirement.
This offseason, the Rams have a few options to acquire a quarterback. They could either draft, trade, or look for a veteran to serve as a bridge. While this year’s quarterback class is weak, there are a few options.
Draft
Three draft options are Cade Klubnik, Drew Allar and Trinidad Chambliss. Klubnik and Allar were both high draft options in the beginning of the year and preseason Heisman potentials but both had disappointing final seasons. Allar’s season ended in an injury but even when healthy his performance was underwhelming, causing him to lose draft stock. Klubnik played the whole season leading Clemson to a 7-6 record and losing in the Pinstripe bowl. His performance was similarly underwhelming and caused him to lose draft stock.
Chambliss’ story was far different from Allar and Klubnik’s who both played at football powerhouses all four years. He played division II football for four years with Ferris State winning the division II national championship in 2022 and 2024. In the offseason, he transferred to Ole Miss to back up Austin Simmons and took over when Simmons missed time due to a leg injury. He took Ole Miss to the semifinals in the playoffs, one round short of the national championship game.
Now he’s looking to be granted an extra year by the NCAA and play one more year at Ole Miss. At 6’1, 200 lb Chambliss is smaller than the prototypical quarterback but he is widely talented. He has great field vision and has adapted a backyard play style similar to Kyler Murray. He would be a great selection in the third round if he’s still available. McVay’s play calling and reputation with quarterbacks speaks for itself and could help Chambliss become a great professional quarterback.
Trade
Another option for the Rams is to trade for a young but experienced player. One option is Kyler Murray. He is small and looks to avoid hits but he is an excellent playmaker and a master at backyard football. While his play style is different than the quarterbacks McVay has worked with, McVay could unlock something in Murray we have yet to see. Murray has two years and a club option left on his deal. A prove it year could be just what he needs to revive his career.
Bridge Option
If the Rams don’t like any of the previous options they could go with the bridge option. The backup quarterback is Jimmy Garappaolo who was once a franchise quarterback earlier in his career with the San Francisco 49ers. At age 34, Garoppolo could be the answer for a year if the front office decides not to select any quarterbacks this draft or trade. They could also look to other veterans such as Jacoby Brissett or Jameis Winston.
Main Image: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
