Rams Considering Signing QB Kirk Cousins

Head coach Sean McVay open to reuniting with former Commanders QB

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a quarterback in motion, with the player's form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color, conveying the dynamic nature of the quarterback position.The Rams' quarterback situation remains fluid as they explore options to complement or replace veteran starter Matthew Stafford.Los Angeles Today

Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay stated the team may be interested in signing free agent quarterback Kirk Cousins, who previously played under McVay when he was the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders. McVay acknowledged the Rams' current backup QB, Jimmy Garoppolo, may not return, leaving an opening for Cousins to potentially join the team.

Why it matters

The Rams are looking to bolster their quarterback depth chart after a disappointing 2025 season. Signing Cousins, who has extensive experience playing in McVay's offensive system, could provide stability and veteran leadership behind starting QB Matthew Stafford.

The details

McVay said the Rams are open to exploring a potential deal with Cousins if Garoppolo does not return. Cousins spent the 2025 season as the backup to Michael Penix Jr. in Atlanta after leaving the Commanders. The Rams are also rumored to be interested in drafting Alabama QB Ty Simpson in the upcoming NFL Draft.

  • On March 30, 2026, McVay made the comments about the Rams' interest in Cousins.

The players

Sean McVay

Head coach of the Los Angeles Rams.

Kirk Cousins

Free agent quarterback who previously played under McVay with the Washington Commanders.

Jimmy Garoppolo

Current backup quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams.

Ty Simpson

Quarterback prospect from the University of Alabama that the Rams are rumored to be interested in drafting.

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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. So those are two guys we've talked about.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

The Rams will continue to evaluate their quarterback options, including re-signing Garoppolo or potentially signing Cousins, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

McVay's comments indicate the Rams are open to bringing in a veteran quarterback to compete with or back up Matthew Stafford, with Cousins emerging as a potential target given their prior working relationship.