Rams Are Running Out of Backup Quarterback Options

After reports emerged that the Los Angeles Rams were interested in bringing in Kirk Cousins to be the backup for Matthew Stafford, he instead chose to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Cousins likely wanted a chance to start, and is likely to get that chance to teach consensus No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, when he is inevitably drafted by the Raiders. That said, the Rams are now running out of backup quarterback options.

While Los Angeles general manager Les Snead stated the team is not in a rush to find Matthew Stafford's successor, things are getting dangerously close to the start of the offseason program and OTAs. The time is now to find a veteran backup who could step in should something happen to Stafford.

The issue is that the player has not been found yet. It has been believed that the Rams would bring back Jimmy Garoppolo, but no deal has been struck. Garoppolo's options to be a starter in the league have also dwindled, so he could be in a situation where he may need to default back into a backup role.

That said, the Rams had better think about bringing the longtime veteran back, which is odd that it has not happened yet. However, Garoppolo may be in the same boat as Cousins, wanting to see if he can land a starting role with another team.

That may still happen, but most of the quarterback-needy teams have already signed new passers for their QB1 competitions in 2026.

If the Rams did not bring back Garoppolo, the list of available candidates may not be that alluring. 

Currently, Aaron Rodgers leads the charge as the top free agent quarterback, but he is likely to either sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers again or retire. He would likely also not go to any team where he would not take the starting job.

Russell Wilson would be the next "best" option, though he may be in the same boat as Cousins and wants to hold out for an opportunity to start instead of playing backup.

After Wilson, there are Tyrod Taylor, Cooper Rush, and Brandon Allen. Of the three, the Rams could consider Taylor, who has 62 career starts. Rush and Allen both do not have over 20.

The Rams may not even choose to bring in a backup, and look instead to the draft. They have been attached to Alabama's Ty Simpson, but taking him at No. 13 overall could be seen as a mistake.

There are also other options, such as Miami's Carson Beck, Penn State's Drew Allar, and more. 

Having a veteran sitting behind Stafford would be the smartest play, but the Rams are running out of viable options and will need to make a decision sooner rather than later.