Rams Trade Idea Lands 2024 First-Round QB as Matthew Stafford's Heir

The Rams could move down in the draft and acquire a potential future starter at QB.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:35pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting an abstract football scene, representing the Rams' draft plans to secure their next starting quarterback.A cubist interpretation of the Rams' potential draft strategy to acquire their quarterback of the future.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles Rams are looking to the future at quarterback, with ESPN's Bill Barnwell proposing a trade that would have the Rams moving down from 13th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft to 18th overall with the Minnesota Vikings. In return, the Rams would receive the Vikings' 2024 first-round QB J.J. McCarthy and a third-round pick (97th overall).

Why it matters

The Rams need to plan for the eventual successor to veteran QB Matthew Stafford, and acquiring a young QB like McCarthy to develop behind Stafford for a year could be a smart move. The Rams have a history of turning around quarterbacks who struggled on other teams, and this trade would allow them to do that while also picking up additional draft capital.

The details

In Barnwell's proposed trade, the Rams would move down from 13th overall to 18th overall, while also receiving the Vikings' 2024 first-round pick (J.J. McCarthy) and a third-round pick (97th overall) in 2026. This would give the Rams a potential future starter at QB to develop behind Stafford, as well as an additional draft pick to use on other needs.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who is nearing the end of his career and needs an heir apparent.

J.J. McCarthy

A 2024 first-round quarterback prospect who struggled in his first season at Minnesota but could be a developmental option for the Rams.

Les Snead

The general manager of the Los Angeles Rams, who is known for his willingness to trade down in the draft.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who has a history of developing quarterbacks.

Bill Barnwell

An ESPN analyst who proposed the trade idea involving the Rams and Vikings.

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What they’re saying

“We know general manager Les Snead doesn't value picks in the bottom quarter of the first round, so the Rams aren't likely to move down very far if they do trade down.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Rams will need to evaluate the trade proposal and decide if acquiring J.J. McCarthy and the additional third-round pick is worth moving down from 13th overall to 18th. They will also need to determine if McCarthy is the right quarterback prospect to develop behind Stafford.

The takeaway

This trade idea represents a forward-thinking approach by the Rams to address their long-term quarterback situation while also picking up additional draft capital. If McCarthy can develop behind Stafford, it could pay dividends for the Rams in the future.