Rams Eye J.J. McCarthy as Stafford's Successor

The young QB could be the answer to the Rams' post-Stafford problem.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:57am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements and perspectives of a football game, with sharp planes of navy, forest green, and burgundy colors.A cubist interpretation of a young quarterback's journey, as he navigates the challenges of the NFL.Today in Pittsburgh

After a disappointing 2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings, former Michigan star quarterback J.J. McCarthy is in an awkward position. With the Vikings signing Kyler Murray, McCarthy's future in Minnesota is uncertain. The Los Angeles Rams, who are looking to plan for life after Matthew Stafford, could be an ideal landing spot for McCarthy. Head coach Sean McVay has a history of reviving young QBs, and Stafford could serve as a valuable mentor, potentially setting McCarthy up for success in Hollywood.

Why it matters

The Rams are in a unique position to contend for the foreseeable future, with a relatively young roster aside from the quarterback position. Finding the right successor to the aging Stafford is crucial for the team to maintain its championship window. McCarthy, despite his struggles in Minnesota, has the pedigree and potential that could make him an ideal fit under McVay's tutelage.

The details

After being touted as the Vikings' quarterback of the future, McCarthy had a disastrous 2025 season, marked by poor performance and injuries. With the Vikings now moving on to Kyler Murray, McCarthy finds himself in a similar position to that of Jared Goff a decade ago - a highly-touted young QB looking to revive his career. The Rams, who are preparing for life after Stafford, could provide McCarthy with the perfect opportunity to develop under the guidance of McVay and Stafford.

  • In the 2025 season, McCarthy struggled mightily with the Vikings, posting historically bad numbers as a rookie.
  • The Vikings have now signed former No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, signaling a potential end to McCarthy's tenure in Minnesota.
  • The Rams are looking to plan for the eventual retirement of Matthew Stafford, who is nearing the end of his career.

The players

J.J. McCarthy

A former star quarterback at the University of Michigan, McCarthy was touted as the Vikings' quarterback of the future, but had a disastrous 2025 season marked by poor performance and injuries.

Matthew Stafford

The veteran quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, who is nearing the end of his career and will need to be replaced in the coming years.

Sean McVay

The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, known for his ability to develop young quarterbacks, including reviving the career of Jared Goff.

Kyler Murray

The former No. 1 overall pick, who the Minnesota Vikings have signed, potentially signaling the end of J.J. McCarthy's tenure in Minnesota.

Jared Goff

A former No. 1 overall pick who struggled early in his career with the Rams, before being revived by Sean McVay.

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What they’re saying

“If McVay, as a teacher, along with the reigning MVP Stafford as a mentor, isn't enough to turn McCarthy into a franchise QB, then nothing is.”

— Tyler Erzberger, Author

What’s next

The Rams will need to evaluate their options at quarterback and determine if McCarthy is the right fit to eventually replace Stafford. If they decide to pursue McCarthy, they will need to work out a trade with the Vikings to acquire him.

The takeaway

The Rams have a unique opportunity to set up their long-term future at quarterback by bringing in J.J. McCarthy, a highly-touted prospect who struggled in Minnesota but could thrive under the tutelage of Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. If McCarthy can't succeed in that environment, it may signal the end of his NFL aspirations.