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Stafford Today
By the People, for the People
Rams Exploring Veteran QB Options to Back Up Stafford
Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins emerge as leading candidates to join the Super Bowl champions
Mar. 31, 2026 at 1:55pm
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The Rams' search for a veteran backup QB reflects the team's commitment to building depth and experience around their star quarterback.Stafford TodayThe Los Angeles Rams are looking to add an experienced veteran quarterback to back up 38-year-old starter Matthew Stafford, with free agents Jimmy Garoppolo and Kirk Cousins emerging as the top options. Head coach Sean McVay confirmed the team's interest in bringing in another QB to the roster, noting that Garoppolo and Cousins are both under consideration.
Why it matters
The Rams are looking to solidify their quarterback depth behind the 38-year-old Stafford, who is coming off an MVP season but has dealt with injuries in the past. Adding a reliable veteran backup is a priority for the defending Super Bowl champions as they aim to repeat their title run.
The details
Garoppolo, 34, served as Stafford's backup last season but is now a free agent. Cousins, 37, previously worked with Rams head coach Sean McVay in Washington and is also available after being released by the Atlanta Falcons. McVay said the team would 'love to be able to have' either Garoppolo or Cousins join the roster, noting their experience and familiarity with the system.
- The Rams are exploring veteran QB options during the current NFL offseason.
The players
Matthew Stafford
The 38-year-old starting quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, coming off an MVP season in which he threw for 4,707 yards and 46 touchdowns.
Jimmy Garoppolo
A 34-year-old free agent quarterback who served as Stafford's backup with the Rams last season.
Kirk Cousins
A 37-year-old quarterback who was recently released by the Atlanta Falcons and previously worked with Rams head coach Sean McVay in Washington.
Sean McVay
The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, who confirmed the team's interest in adding a veteran backup quarterback to the roster.
What they’re saying
“I think Jimmy is working through his process right now. We would love to be able to have him. There are some other guys that are out there. We do need to be able to add another guy into that room. That's something we are looking at. Obviously, people make some of the connections with Kirk. … I know he has some other options and some other suitors, but Jimmy and Kirk are guys that I would love to be able to have back with us.”
— Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams
What’s next
The Rams will continue evaluating their options and negotiating with Garoppolo, Cousins, and potentially other veteran quarterbacks as they look to solidify their depth behind Stafford.
The takeaway
The Rams' search for a reliable veteran backup QB highlights the importance of having experienced depth at the position, even for a team with a star like Stafford leading the way. Securing a capable No. 2 QB could prove crucial for the defending champions as they aim to make another deep playoff run.
