Analyst thinks Rams shouldn't leave 2026 draft without a QB
The Rams might not need a QB now, but L.A. might want to draft one anyway to develop under Matthew Stafford.
The Los Angeles Rams will, eventually, need to find a long-term plan for their quarterback. Matthew Stafford, who is 38, appeared to have seriously considered retirement before triumphantly announcing his return during his MVP speech . He's back for 2026, but the question of who will replace him remains unanswered.
Additionally, the Rams don't have a clear backup for him this year apart from Stetson Bennett. They wanted Kirk Cousins, who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders and could still bring back Jimmy Garoppolo. The Rams have met with at least one quarterback in the 2026 draft class, LSU's Garrett Nussmeier , so there's a chance Les Snead and Sean McVay dip into the draft pool to find their Stafford successor.
This is all why Sports Illustrated's Mike Kadlick thinks the Rams are one of six teams that can't leave this year's draft without a quarterback. He noted the gaping hole at backup Needless to say, the Rams need somebody else—at the very least, a developmental prospect—in the pipeline as their current quarterback continues to creep toward retirement. Many experts have connected the Rams to Alabama's Ty Simpson , but they'd likely have to use a first-round pick to secure him.
Nussmeier is the other name to watch, perhaps with the Rams' second-round pick at No. 61 or the team's third-rounder at No. 93.