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The Los Angeles Rams know what life at the top feels like, and they also know how fragile it can be. Just three years removed from hoisting the Lombardi Trophy, Sean McVay’s team finds itself staring at the same question it has faced since: can Matthew Stafford stay healthy enough to take them there again? At 37, Stafford’s body has endured the grind of more than a decade of NFL hits. Sure, his arm talent remains elite. However, his durability is a constant concern. If the Rams are truly all-in on chasing another title, they may need to make one last bold move to safeguard their Super Bowl aspirations.
The Rams have a perfect 2-0 record in the 2025 preseason. They defeated the Dallas Cowboys 31-21 in Week 1 and the Los Angeles Chargers 23-22 in Week 2. Next, their final preseason game scheduled against the Cleveland Browns is on Saturday, August 23rd. Key players like quarterback Stetson Bennett and running back Blake Corum have shown promise. Meanwhile, the team is preparing for the regular season opener in 19 days.
Matthew Stafford has strung together days of practice. That’s is a good sign for the veteran who has been unable to participate in the preseason due to an aggravated disc in his back. It’s encouraging that he is back throwing passes just weeks before the season begins. That said, the lingering back issue remains cause for concern. The Rams’ Super Bowl hopes rest entirely on whether Stafford can make it through an entire regular season and postseason healthy. As always, one bad hit could change everything. That’s why Los Angeles may need a backup plan stronger than Jimmy Garoppolo or Bennett if they want to feel confident heading into 2025.
The Rams have never shied away from swinging for the fences. From trading for Stafford to acquiring Jalen Ramsey in years past, they’ve built their reputation on bold moves rather than cautious ones. If they truly believe this is their best chance at another ring under McVay, playing it safe behind Stafford is a luxury they can’t afford.
Garoppolo is a steady veteran but not the kind of quarterback who can carry a contender through a playoff run. Bennett has looked serviceable this preseason. Still, asking him to step in and run McVay’s offense in a championship chase is unrealistic. The Rams need someone with upside. They need someone who could serve as both an immediate insurance policy and a long-term successor to Stafford.
Here we’ll try to look at and discuss the last-minute trade that the Los Angeles Rams must make before Week 1 of 2025 NFL season.
Los Angeles Rams: Stetson Bennett IV and a future Day 3 draft pick for Indianapolis Colts QB Anthony Richardson
This is the type of high-risk, high-reward move that could define the McVay era. The Colts may be ready to...
