With training camp set to take place in July, here are three burning questions to be answered for the Los Angeles Rams.
The Los Angeles Rams have had quite an eventful offseason, bringing in All-Pro talent like cornerback Trent McDuffie and perennial edge rusher Myles Garrett. The team also found its potential Matthew Stafford successor in Ty Simpson.
There are many camp battles and questions to be answered for the Rams heading into training camp, but here are three burning issues that will need to be addressed.
3. Will Simpson Win the Backup Quarterback Position?
The Rams have made it abundantly clear that Simpson and Stetson Bennett IV are set to have a camp battle to determine who will win the backup quarterback position. Stafford needs to have an insurance policy in place, and it will presumably be between the aforementioned passers.
What makes this question more important is whether or not Simpson will be in the position to win the battle. Considering Los Angeles used their first-round pick on the Alabama prospect, it would be believed the team expects him to be ready to lead the team sooner rather than later.
Stafford is signed through the 2027 season, but there is no promising that he remains as the starter past 2026. He might also choose to retire, which would catapult Simpson into starting.
Should Simpson not win the backup position in 2026, would that put the Rams in a tough spot should Stafford choose to walk away?
2. What Will Come of Alaric Jackson Situation?
Alaric Jackson found himself in trouble yet again, this time during an alleged incident of domestic battery. The last time the offensive lineman had to deal with an NFL investigation, he was suspended for two games.
Considering the seriousness of the situation, the league may have to come down harder on Jackson, resulting in a suspension that is either doubled or tripled from the 2024 season.
If Jackson is suspended for more than two games, this will leave a huge gap in the offensive line, leading to either David Quessenberry or rookie Keagen Trost stepping in at the left tackle position. A potential fix would be to move Warren McClendon Jr. over to the left and shift Trost into the right tackle position, but he may not be ready for such a role.
1. Will Aaron Donald Return to the Rams?
Aaron Donald became all the buzz following the trade for Garrett. To have two Defensive Player of the Year players on the same team at the same time would be huge for the Rams.
Initially, Donald indicated he had no interest in playing anymore, but his tune changed completely once Garrett was brought in. The chance to play with an equally as impressive pass rush may be what prompts the future Hall of Famer to end his retirement for one more year.
The Super Bowl will also be played at SoFi, and the Rams are a favorite to head to the big game. With a defense that is already pegged as one of the best int he NFL, Donald could push the unit into another level.
Donald's return would also be determined on how much he is utilized and if he will come back for a full season. There is a lot to consider, but his return would be very welcomed by Los Angeles.
