Rams Seek Veteran QB to Back Up Stafford

Los Angeles team eyes former Pro Bowl passers to support aging starter.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:46pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a quarterback dropping back to pass, with the figure broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.The Rams' search for an experienced backup QB underscores their championship aspirations with an aging Matthew Stafford at the helm.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Rams are reportedly interested in signing a veteran quarterback to serve as the backup to starting QB Matthew Stafford for the 2026 NFL season. Head coach Sean McVay has confirmed the team is looking at former Pro Bowl QBs Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins as potential options to provide experienced depth behind the aging Stafford.

Why it matters

The Rams are considered a top Super Bowl contender this season, but Stafford's health and durability have been concerns in recent years. Bringing in a reliable veteran backup could be crucial to the team's championship aspirations if Stafford were to miss any time due to injury.

The details

With star wide receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams both needing new contracts after this season, the Rams are looking to solidify their quarterback depth chart behind the 35-year-old Stafford. Garoppolo and Cousins, both former Pro Bowlers, have starting experience and could provide an insurance policy if Stafford were to go down.

  • The Rams are evaluating backup QB options ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Matthew Stafford

The 35-year-old starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who is entering what could be the final season of his NFL career.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has confirmed the team is looking at veteran quarterbacks to back up Stafford.

Jimmy Garoppolo

A former Pro Bowl quarterback who has starting experience in the NFL, and is being considered by the Rams as a potential backup option.

Kirk Cousins

A former Pro Bowl quarterback who has starting experience in the NFL, and is being considered by the Rams as a potential backup option.

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What they’re saying

“We're looking at all the options to make sure we have the right guy to support Matthew this season.”

— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams

What’s next

The Rams are expected to make a decision on their backup quarterback in the coming weeks as they finalize their roster for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Rams' search for a veteran backup QB highlights the team's all-in approach for the 2026 season, as they look to maximize their Super Bowl chances with the aging Stafford at the helm.