The Los Angeles Rams have retained quarterback Matthew Stafford, but it’s fair to wonder if they should start searching for a successor.
Stafford — who agreed to a new contract with the Rams this offseason — turned 37 on Feb. 7. He has battled back, thumb and elbow injuries over the past three seasons, amplifying potential durability concerns.
At the annual league meeting on April 1, Rams head coach Sean McVay told USA Today’s Cameron DaSilva it’s “unlikely” they’ll take a QB in the 2025 NFL Draft. However, should he reconsider, especially if they can land a talented SEC passer?
In his latest mock draft, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has L.A. taking Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart (6-foot-2, 223 pounds) with pick No. 26.
“I love this pick because of the potential,” wrote Kiper. “Rams coach Sean McVay could develop Dart into a legit future starter.”
Questions about the 21-year-old’s ability to read defenses may remain, but he could blossom under McVay, an offensive mastermind. In three seasons at Ole Miss, he broke two-time Super Bowl champion Eli Manning’s school record for passing yards (10,617).
If Stafford suffered another injury, it’s unclear whether Dart could immediately step up, but he would give the Rams more depth at the most important position.
Backup Rams QB Jimmy Garoppolo has a solid 43-21 starting record in the regular season, but the 33-year-old is injury-prone. He has suffered shoulder, knee, ankle and foot injuries in 11 seasons.
Stetson Bennett — a fourth-round pick in 2022 — is the only other QB on the Rams’ active roster. He has yet to play in a regular-season game.
Stafford still gives the Rams a chance to win their third Super Bowl. In 16 starts last season, he tossed 20 touchdown passes and posted an above-average 64.7 QBR.
Taking a QB could be smart for the Rams, even if the position isn’t a necessity.
