Rams consider signing Kirk Cousins, Jimmy Garoppolo as backup QB
Quarterback Kirk Cousins appeared in 10 games last season for the Atlanta Falcons. File Photo by Mike Zarrilli/UPI March 30 (UPI) -- Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins are among the backup quarterbacks the Los Angeles Rams will consider signing, coach Sean McVay told reporters Monday. Garoppolo, who spent last season as the primary backup to Rams starter Matthew Stafford, is a free agent this off-season.
Stetson Bennett and Stafford are the only quarterbacks under contract with the Rams in 2026. The Atlanta Falcons, who signed Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in 2024, released the veteran quarterback this off-season. McVay said at the NFL annual meetings Monday in Phoenix that he spoke to Cousins and his agent about potentially backing up Stafford, according to ESPN and the Rams website.
The Rams also hope Garoppolo decides to return. Stafford, 38, signed a two-year, $84 million restructured contract with the Rams last off-season. The 17-year veteran led the NFL with 4,707 passing yards and a career-high 46 passing touchdowns en route to MVP honors last season.
Stafford completed 65% of his throws and threw just eight interceptions over 17 starts. Veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (L) spent the last two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. File Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI Cousins, 37, completed 61.
7% of his throws for 1,721 yards, 10 scores and five interceptions over 10 appearances last season for the Falcons. Garoppolo, 34, did not attempt a pass over three appearances last season for the Rams. He completed 27 of 41 passes for 334 yards, two scores and an interception over one start for the Rams in 2024.