Rams Explore QB Trade Options to Develop Behind Stafford

Los Angeles could target young backups to groom as Matthew Stafford's successor.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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With Matthew Stafford returning for the 2026 season, the Los Angeles Rams may look to trade for a young quarterback to develop behind the veteran. Options include Anthony Richardson of the Colts, Spencer Rattler of the Saints, and Will Levis of the Titans - all of whom have upside but limited experience as NFL starters so far.

Why it matters

The Rams have no clear succession plan for when Stafford eventually retires, so finding and grooming his heir apparent could be crucial for the team's long-term future at the quarterback position.

The details

The Rams could explore trading for young backups like Anthony Richardson, Spencer Rattler, or Will Levis, all of whom have potential but have struggled with injuries, inconsistency, or lack of playing time so far in their NFL careers. The Rams would likely only have to give up a mid-round draft pick to acquire one of these quarterbacks, who could then sit and learn behind Stafford for a year or two before potentially taking over as the starter.

  • Stafford is set to return for the 2026 season, his 18th in the NFL.
  • Colts QB Anthony Richardson was a 2023 first-round pick.
  • Saints QB Spencer Rattler was a 2024 fifth-round pick.
  • Titans QB Will Levis was a 2025 second-round pick.

The players

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, set to return for the 2026 season.

Anthony Richardson

A young quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, drafted in the first round in 2023 but has struggled with injuries and inconsistency so far in his NFL career.

Spencer Rattler

A quarterback for the New Orleans Saints, drafted in the fifth round in 2024 after a disappointing college career at Oklahoma and South Carolina.

Will Levis

A quarterback for the Tennessee Titans, drafted in the second round in 2025 but has yet to see significant playing time behind starter Cam Ward.

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What they’re saying

“It's really like the same offense as the Rams. That's a lot of the tape we watch. What they're doing, we're doing. You definitely have your shots down the field but it's just a good offense. It's a balanced offense. We do a lot of good things, so I'm excited to fully learn all of it. I've learned dang near all of it already, but we got a lot more install to go throughout the summer, so I'm just gonna soak it all in and prepare the best as I can.”

— Spencer Rattler, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints (247 Sports)

What’s next

The Rams will likely evaluate their options at quarterback this offseason, weighing the pros and cons of drafting a QB, signing a free agent, or trading for a young developmental prospect like Richardson, Rattler, or Levis.

The takeaway

Finding and developing Matthew Stafford's successor is a crucial task for the Rams this offseason, as they look to ensure a smooth transition at the game's most important position once the veteran quarterback eventually retires.