When the Los Angeles Rams signed Jimmy Garoppolo again in 2024, it lastly added stability to a backup quarterback place that lacked it beforehand underneath head coach Sean McVay. Throughout the McVay period, the Rams had primarily trusted John Wolford in the backup quarterback position, however he was very restricted as a passer. Back in 2023, the Rams needed to depend on Brett Rypien in a recreation towards the Green Bay Packers that was a borderline catastrophe.
The Rams haven’t wanted Garoppolo exterior of the sport when the staff rested starters in Week 18 of the 2024 season. However, had Stafford damage his again or been out for a recreation, there would have been confidence that Garoppolo may run the offense.
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That may not be the case heading into subsequent season. Garoppolo is anticipated to have a market and a possible touchdown spot might be with Mike LaFleur and the Arizona Cardinals. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported from the NFL Combine,
“Free agent Jimmy Garoppolo heading to Arizona is a strong option, too. The Cardinals have interest, and Mike LaFleur is considered very close with Garoppolo. “That’s his guy,” a league supply stated. LaFleur can create a clear path to restart his quarterback room by including at the very least one veteran and drafting a QB. Something to maintain in thoughts with Garoppolo: He has one of many league’s greatest QB2 jobs with the Rams, who would welcome him again.”
It’s very doable that Garoppolo needs to go someplace he’ll have the chance to start out. As lengthy as Matthew Stafford is in Los Angeles, that isn’t going to occur with the Rams. With the Cardinals, Garoppolo would have an opportunity to be their bridge quarterback to 2027 as they transfer on from Kyler Murray.
That leaves the Rams in a place the place they as soon as once more need to determine the backup quarterback place. When they drafted Stetson Bennett in 2023, he was drafted to be the long-term backup. However, Bennett’s solely motion has come in the preseason. While he’s proven enchancment, Bennett has thrown an interception in each preseason recreation exterior of his debut. How a lot confidence would there be in Bennett to fill in for Stafford if wanted?
Ideally, the Rams are capable of purchase a veteran with expertise that doesn’t thoughts enjoying the position as a backup or carry in a participant with some upside. Bennett doesn’t verify both of these packing containers. He’ll be 29 in October and has been the staff’s third-string quarterback every of the final two years. Bennett is aware of the system and has realized behind Garoppolo, nevertheless it’s truthful to query if he will be trusted because the staff’s main backup quarterback.
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As it stands, among the greatest backup quarterbacks on the free agent market embrace Marcus Mariota, Carson Wentz, Zach Wilson, Sam Howell, and Kenny Pickett. Mariota, Wentz, Wilson, and Howell may be probably the most lifelike choices as most closely fits for the Rams.
With that stated, there are a handful of skilled starters which can be set to be launched earlier than free company. Players like Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa, Kyler Murray, and Justin Fields are anticipated to change into obtainable. Still, Cousins, Tua, and Murray may search for alternatives to start out. In the case that they’ll’t and the Rams can speak them right into a backup position, Cousins and Tua make lots of sense. Cousins has previous expertise with McVay whereas Tua may try to repair his picture across the NFL. Tua is simply seven months older than Bennett and would make lots of sense as a possible bridge post-Stafford. With Tua, Cousins, Murray, and Fields getting reduce, they’d additionally value solely the veteran minimal.
The draft is the place issues can get fascinating. Ty Simpson could be an awesome match in the offense, however he may require a first-round choose. Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar are mid-round choices, however present comparable uncertainty as Bennett. Both will be developed and are nearly seven years youthful than Bennett, however don’t have expertise. They could be higher paired with an skilled backup.
There are a number of instructions in which the Rams can go. However, this isn’t a place that may be ignored. The Rams have been fortunate with Stafford’s well being over the past two years and their quarterback is just getting older. Stafford’s again ended up being a non-issue in 2025, nevertheless it’s not out of the realm of chance for it to pop again up once more this offseason. The Rams will need to be ready if it does.
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While the Rams would like to have Garoppolo again, he may search for a extra outstanding position on a staff just like the Cardinals. This might be Bennett’s alternative to rise to the event. However, he nonetheless provides lots of uncertainty. Replacing Garoppolo with one other veteran may be the best way to go.