Rams Weighing Cousins, Considered Trading Adams

McVay open to Cousins as backup, says team looked at trading star WR Davante Adams.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 5:22pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting an abstracted football game, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a bold color palette, conveying the strategic complexity of an NFL team's offseason decision-making.McVay's candid comments about the Rams' QB and WR plans reveal the team's relentless pursuit of roster perfection.Phoenix Today

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay revealed during the NFL's Annual League Meeting that the team is considering signing free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins as a backup to starter Matthew Stafford. McVay also disclosed that the Rams had previously explored trading star wide receiver Davante Adams earlier this offseason.

Why it matters

The Rams' backup QB situation has been a point of intrigue this offseason, with McVay openly discussing potential options like Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo. The team's reported interest in trading Adams, one of the league's elite receivers, would have been a blockbuster move that could have significantly impacted the Rams' offense.

The details

McVay told reporters the Rams are weighing both Cousins and Garoppolo as potential backups to Stafford, who is coming off an MVP season. The coach praised Cousins' abilities and said the team is "very interested" in exploring a reunion, though he acknowledged Cousins has other opportunities as well. McVay also revealed the Rams had considered trading Davante Adams earlier this offseason, though it's unclear if those trade talks ever progressed significantly.

  • The comments from McVay came during the NFL's Annual League Meeting on March 30, 2026.

The players

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has led the team to a Super Bowl championship.

Matthew Stafford

The Rams' starting quarterback, who won the NFL MVP award in 2025.

Kirk Cousins

A free agent quarterback who previously played for McVay when he was the offensive coordinator in Washington.

Jimmy Garoppolo

A free agent quarterback who served as Stafford's backup with the Rams in 2025.

Davante Adams

An elite wide receiver who has played for the Rams since 2023 after being traded from the Packers.

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What they’re saying

“Hey, I'd love to have Jimmy Garoppolo back with us. That's a big deal for us. He's earned the right to be able to take his time and do whatever he wants. Is there an opportunity to explore, if it's not Jimmy, (like) Kirk Cousins? Of course. I'd love to be able to be able to see what that looks like.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

“Those are things that we're very interested in possibly exploring, but again, it's really premature. I know Kirk has some other options and opportunities as well, but he's a guy that I have familiarity with, history and a lot of reverence for because of the gratitude from our experiences together.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

The Rams will continue to evaluate their options at backup quarterback, with Cousins and Garoppolo as the primary candidates. The team will also monitor the trade market to see if any opportunities arise to acquire additional offensive talent.

The takeaway

McVay's candid comments provide a rare glimpse into an NFL team's offseason decision-making process, highlighting the Rams' willingness to explore all options to build a championship-caliber roster around star QB Matthew Stafford. The potential pursuit of Cousins and the consideration of trading Adams show the team is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to repeat as Super Bowl champions.